2005 Lotus Exige vs. 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse
To start off, 2005 Lotus Exige is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse would be higher. At 1,996 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Lotus Exige (240 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 99 more horse power than 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse. (141 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse.
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, 1997 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, 2005 Lotus Exige (237 Nm @ 7000 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse. (177 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2005 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Lotus Exige | 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse | |
| Make | Lotus | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Exige | Eclipse |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 237 Nm | 177 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 7000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 4390 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2520 mm |
