1999 Kia Elan vs. 1996 Mitsubishi Diamante
To start off, 1999 Kia Elan is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mitsubishi Diamante. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mitsubishi Diamante would be higher. At 2,972 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Mitsubishi Diamante is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mitsubishi Diamante (238 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 1999 Kia Elan. (149 HP @ 6250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mitsubishi Diamante should accelerate faster than 1999 Kia Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mitsubishi Diamante weights approximately 482 kg more than 1999 Kia Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear 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, 1996 Mitsubishi Diamante (310 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 124 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Kia Elan. (186 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1996 Mitsubishi Diamante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Kia Elan. 1996 Mitsubishi Diamante has automatic transmission and 1999 Kia Elan has manual transmission. 1999 Kia Elan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Mitsubishi Diamante will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Kia Elan | 1996 Mitsubishi Diamante | |
| Make | Kia | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Elan | Diamante |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1793 cc | 2972 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 149 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 186 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1068 kg | 1550 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2730 mm |
