1997 Lotus Elise vs. 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer
To start off, 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer is newer by 15 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 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer (237 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 120 more horse power than 1997 Lotus Elise. (117 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer should accelerate faster than 1997 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer weights approximately 865 kg more than 1997 Lotus Elise. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1997 Lotus Elise. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer will offer significantly more control. 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, 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer (343 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 174 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Lotus Elise. (169 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Lotus Elise | 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer | |
| Make | Lotus | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Elise | Lancer |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 117 HP | 237 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 169 Nm | 343 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 705 kg | 1570 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4572 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1763 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1491 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2634 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 55 L |
