1999 Lotus Esprit vs. 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse
To start off, 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 3,506 cc (8 cylinders), 1999 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Lotus Esprit (349 HP) has 187 more horse power than 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse. (162 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse weights approximately 865 kg more than 1999 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1999 Lotus Esprit 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 Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 1999 Lotus Esprit (351 Nm) has 131 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse. (220 Nm). This means 1999 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Lotus Esprit | 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse | |
| Make | Lotus | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Esprit | Eclipse |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3506 cc | 2399 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 349 HP | 162 HP |
| Torque | 351 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 675 kg | 1540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4570 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2580 mm |
