2005 Lotus Exige vs. 1996 Mitsubishi Lancer
To start off, 2005 Lotus Exige is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mitsubishi Lancer. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mitsubishi Lancer would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Lotus Exige is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Lotus Exige (243 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 132 more horse power than 1996 Mitsubishi Lancer. (111 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1996 Mitsubishi Lancer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mitsubishi Lancer weights approximately 96 kg more than 2005 Lotus Exige.
Because 2005 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 2005 Lotus Exige. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Mitsubishi Lancer, 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, 2005 Lotus Exige (236 Nm @ 7000 RPM) has 99 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mitsubishi Lancer. (137 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2005 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mitsubishi Lancer.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Lotus Exige | 1996 Mitsubishi Lancer | |
| Make | Lotus | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Exige | Lancer |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 243 HP | 111 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 236 Nm | 137 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 7000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 930 kg | 1026 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1400 mm |
