2002 Lotus Elise vs. 2005 Mitsubishi Eclipse
To start off, 2005 Mitsubishi Eclipse is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Lotus Elise would be higher. At 2,966 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Mitsubishi Eclipse is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mitsubishi Eclipse (210 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 90 more horse power than 2002 Lotus Elise. (120 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mitsubishi Eclipse should accelerate faster than 2002 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mitsubishi Eclipse weights approximately 762 kg more than 2002 Lotus Elise. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2002 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 2002 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 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, 2005 Mitsubishi Eclipse (278 Nm) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Lotus Elise. (168 Nm). This means 2005 Mitsubishi Eclipse will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Lotus Elise | 2005 Mitsubishi Eclipse | |
| Make | Lotus | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Elise | Eclipse |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1795 cc | 2966 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 278 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 91 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 76 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 750 kg | 1512 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 62 L |
