1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse vs. 2012 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2012 Lotus Elise is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse would be higher. At 1,996 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Lotus Elise (217 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse. (141 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse weights approximately 400 kg more than 2012 Lotus Elise.
Because 2012 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 2012 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse, 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, 2012 Lotus Elise (210 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse. (177 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2012 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse | 2012 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Mitsubishi | Lotus |
| Model | Eclipse | Elise |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1996 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 177 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1326 kg | 926 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4390 mm | 3785 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1118 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2299 mm |
