1997 Lotus Elise vs. 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer
To start off, 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Lotus Elise would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Lotus Elise (117 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer. (97 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer weights approximately 645 kg more than 1997 Lotus Elise.
Because 1997 Lotus Elise 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 1997 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer, 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, 1997 Lotus Elise (169 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer. (150 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1997 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Lotus Elise | 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer | |
| Make | Lotus | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Elise | Lancer |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1584 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 117 HP | 97 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 169 Nm | 150 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 76 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.4 mm | 87.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 705 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 13.3 L/100km | 7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 50 L |
