2008 Lotus Elise vs. 2011 Mitsubishi Eclipse
To start off, 2011 Mitsubishi Eclipse is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Lotus Elise would be higher. At 2,400 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Mitsubishi Eclipse is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Lotus Elise (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 2011 Mitsubishi Eclipse. (162 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2011 Mitsubishi Eclipse. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mitsubishi Eclipse weights approximately 534 kg more than 2008 Lotus Elise.
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, 2011 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, 2011 Mitsubishi Eclipse (219 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 39 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Lotus Elise. (180 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 2011 Mitsubishi Eclipse will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Lotus Elise | 2011 Mitsubishi Eclipse | |
| Make | Lotus | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Elise | Eclipse |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1795 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 162 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 219 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 950 kg | 1484 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4582 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1834 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1351 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2576 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 67 L |
