1998 Lotus Elise vs. 1984 Mitsubishi Sigma
To start off, 1998 Lotus Elise is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Mitsubishi Sigma. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Mitsubishi Sigma would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Lotus Elise (187 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 97 more horse power than 1984 Mitsubishi Sigma. (90 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1984 Mitsubishi Sigma. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 Mitsubishi Sigma weights approximately 356 kg more than 1998 Lotus Elise.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1998 Lotus Elise (193 Nm @ 5600 RPM) has 75 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Mitsubishi Sigma. (118 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1998 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Mitsubishi Sigma.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Lotus Elise | 1984 Mitsubishi Sigma | |
| Make | Lotus | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Elise | Sigma |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1984 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 193 Nm | 118 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5600 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 714 kg | 1070 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3740 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2520 mm |
