2007 Lotus Elise vs. 1989 Mitsubishi Minica
To start off, 2007 Lotus Elise is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Mitsubishi Minica. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Mitsubishi Minica 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 @ 5500 RPM) has 90 more horse power than 1989 Mitsubishi Minica. (30 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1989 Mitsubishi Minica. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Lotus Elise weights approximately 145 kg more than 1989 Mitsubishi Minica. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1989 Mitsubishi Minica is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2007 Lotus Elise. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Mitsubishi Minica will offer significantly more control. 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 (169 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 127 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Mitsubishi Minica. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2007 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Mitsubishi Minica. 1989 Mitsubishi Minica 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. 1989 Mitsubishi Minica will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Lotus Elise | 1989 Mitsubishi Minica | |
| Make | Lotus | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Elise | Minica |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 548 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 30 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 169 Nm | 42 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 785 kg | 640 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 3200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1400 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2270 mm |
