1999 Lotus Elise vs. 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse
To start off, 1999 Lotus Elise is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse would be higher. At 1,996 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse (141 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1999 Lotus Elise. (118 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse should accelerate faster than 1999 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse weights approximately 612 kg more than 1999 Lotus Elise. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1999 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 1999 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 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, 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse (177 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Lotus Elise. (165 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Lotus Elise | 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse | |
| Make | Lotus | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Elise | Eclipse |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 177 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 708 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4390 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2520 mm |
