2007 Lotus Elise vs. 1982 Mitsubishi Starion
To start off, 2007 Lotus Elise is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Mitsubishi Starion. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Mitsubishi Starion would be higher. At 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 1982 Mitsubishi Starion is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1982 Mitsubishi Starion (134 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 2007 Lotus Elise. (120 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1982 Mitsubishi Starion should accelerate faster than 2007 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Mitsubishi Starion weights approximately 304 kg more than 2007 Lotus Elise. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1982 Mitsubishi Starion (215 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Lotus Elise. (169 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1982 Mitsubishi Starion will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Lotus Elise. 1982 Mitsubishi Starion has automatic transmission and 2007 Lotus Elise has manual transmission. 2007 Lotus Elise will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1982 Mitsubishi Starion will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Lotus Elise | 1982 Mitsubishi Starion | |
| Make | Lotus | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Elise | Starion |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1982 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 169 Nm | 215 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 881 kg | 1185 kg |
