2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse vs. 2012 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2012 Lotus Exige is newer by 8 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 2,343 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Lotus Exige (257 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 109 more horse power than 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse. (148 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse weights approximately 436 kg more than 2012 Lotus Exige.
Because 2012 Lotus Exige 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 2012 Lotus Exige. 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, 2012 Lotus Exige (236 Nm) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse. (214 Nm). This means 2012 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse | 2012 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | Mitsubishi | Lotus |
| Model | Eclipse | Exige |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2343 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 257 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 214 Nm | 236 Nm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1345 kg | 909 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 3797 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1727 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1158 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2299 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.6 L/100km | 9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 10.2 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 44 L |
