1998 Lotus Elise vs. 1998 Mitsubishi Lancer
To start off, both 1998 Lotus Elise and 1998 Mitsubishi Lancer were released in the same year (1998). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Lotus Elise (116 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1998 Mitsubishi Lancer. (74 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1998 Mitsubishi Lancer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mitsubishi Lancer weights approximately 291 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, 1998 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 (165 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 57 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mitsubishi Lancer. (108 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1998 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mitsubishi Lancer.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Lotus Elise | 1998 Mitsubishi Lancer | |
| Make | Lotus | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Elise | Lancer |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1299 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 705 kg | 996 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1400 mm |
