1998 Lotus Elise vs. 1997 Mitsubishi Lancer
To start off, 1998 Lotus Elise is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Mitsubishi Lancer. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Mitsubishi Lancer 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 76 more horse power than 1997 Mitsubishi Lancer. (111 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1997 Mitsubishi Lancer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Mitsubishi Lancer weights approximately 321 kg more than 1998 Lotus Elise.
Because 1998 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 1998 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 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, 1998 Lotus Elise (193 Nm @ 5600 RPM) has 56 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Mitsubishi Lancer. (137 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1998 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Mitsubishi Lancer.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Lotus Elise | 1997 Mitsubishi Lancer | |
| Make | Lotus | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Elise | Lancer |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 111 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 193 Nm | 137 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 714 kg | 1035 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3740 mm | 4280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1480 mm |
