2005 Lotus Elise vs. 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse
To start off, 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Lotus Elise would be higher. At 2,399 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Lotus Elise (190 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse. (162 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse weights approximately 644 kg more than 2005 Lotus Elise.
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, 2008 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, 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse (220 Nm) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Lotus Elise. (187 Nm). This means 2008 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 | 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse | |
| Make | Lotus | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Elise | Eclipse |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2399 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 162 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 187 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 896 kg | 1540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4570 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 8.7 L/100km | 8.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 10.2 L/100km | 11.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.4 L/100km | 10 L/100km |
