2003 Lotus Esprit vs. 2005 Mitsubishi Eclipse
To start off, 2005 Mitsubishi Eclipse is newer by 2 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 2,376 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Mitsubishi Eclipse is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Lotus Esprit (240 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 93 more horse power than 2005 Mitsubishi Eclipse. (147 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2005 Mitsubishi Eclipse. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mitsubishi Eclipse weights approximately 40 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, 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, 2003 Lotus Esprit (294 Nm) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mitsubishi Eclipse. (220 Nm). This means 2003 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mitsubishi Eclipse.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Lotus Esprit | 2005 Mitsubishi Eclipse | |
| Make | Lotus | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Esprit | Eclipse |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1973 cc | 2376 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 147 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 294 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1305 kg | 1345 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2610 mm |
