2005 Lotus Elise vs. 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse
To start off, 2005 Lotus Elise is newer by 1 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 2005 Lotus Elise. (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse should accelerate faster than 2005 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse weights approximately 645 kg more than 2005 Lotus Elise. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 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 2005 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 (278 Nm) has 92 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Lotus Elise. (186 Nm). This means 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Lotus Elise | 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse | |
| Make | Lotus | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Elise | Eclipse |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2966 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 186 Nm | 278 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 91 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 76 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 850 kg | 1495 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.8 L/100km | 10.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 62 L |
