2007 Lotus Elise vs. 1980 Mitsubishi Sigma
To start off, 2007 Lotus Elise is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Mitsubishi Sigma. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Mitsubishi Sigma would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Lotus Elise (120 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1980 Mitsubishi Sigma. (75 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1980 Mitsubishi Sigma. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Mitsubishi Sigma weights approximately 245 kg more than 2007 Lotus Elise.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2007 Lotus Elise (168 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 51 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Mitsubishi Sigma. (117 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2007 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Mitsubishi Sigma.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Lotus Elise | 1980 Mitsubishi Sigma | |
| Make | Lotus | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Elise | Sigma |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 75 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 117 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 785 kg | 1030 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2520 mm |
