2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse vs. 2011 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2011 Lotus Elise is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse would be higher. At 2,966 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse (210 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 2011 Lotus Elise. (189 HP @ 7800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse should accelerate faster than 2011 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse weights approximately 558 kg more than 2011 Lotus Elise. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2011 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 2011 Lotus Elise. 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, 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse (279 Nm) has 99 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Lotus Elise. (180 Nm). This means 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse | 2011 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Mitsubishi | Lotus |
| Model | Eclipse | Elise |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2966 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 279 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1470 kg | 912 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 3785 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1118 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2299 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 8.4 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.2 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 44 L |
