2003 Lotus Esprit vs. 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse
To start off, 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,350 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Lotus Esprit (240 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 95 more horse power than 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse. (145 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse weights approximately 65 kg more than 2003 Lotus Esprit.
Because 2003 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 2003 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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, 2003 Lotus Esprit (294 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse. (214 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse. 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse has automatic transmission and 2003 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 2003 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Lotus Esprit | 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse | |
| Make | Lotus | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Esprit | Eclipse |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1973 cc | 2350 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 294 Nm | 214 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1305 kg | 1370 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2610 mm |
