1996 Lotus Esprit vs. 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse
To start off, 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,348 cc (4 cylinders), 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Lotus Esprit (285 HP) has 140 more horse power than 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse. (145 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse.
Because 1996 Lotus Esprit is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1996 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1996 Lotus Esprit (510 Nm) has 296 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse. (214 Nm). This means 1996 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse. 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse has automatic transmission and 1996 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1996 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Lotus Esprit | 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse | |
| Make | Lotus | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Esprit | Eclipse |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2000 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 2348 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 285 HP | 145 HP |
| Torque | 510 Nm | 214 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 100 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2420 mm | 2570 mm |
