2008 Lotus Elise vs. 2002 Mitsubishi Diamante
To start off, 2008 Lotus Elise is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Mitsubishi Diamante. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Mitsubishi Diamante would be higher. At 3,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Mitsubishi Diamante is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mitsubishi Diamante (202 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 2008 Lotus Elise. (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mitsubishi Diamante should accelerate faster than 2008 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mitsubishi Diamante weights approximately 610 kg more than 2008 Lotus Elise. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Lotus Elise 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 2008 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Mitsubishi Diamante, 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, 2002 Mitsubishi Diamante (313 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 133 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Lotus Elise. (180 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 2002 Mitsubishi Diamante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Lotus Elise | 2002 Mitsubishi Diamante | |
| Make | Lotus | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Elise | Diamante |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1795 cc | 3497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 202 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 313 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 85.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 950 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4940 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2730 mm |
