2009 Lotus Elise vs. 1984 Mitsubishi Colt
To start off, 2009 Lotus Elise is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Mitsubishi Colt. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Mitsubishi Colt would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Lotus Elise (120 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1984 Mitsubishi Colt. (70 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1984 Mitsubishi Colt. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 Mitsubishi Colt weights approximately 38 kg more than 2009 Lotus Elise.
Because 2009 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 2009 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1984 Mitsubishi Colt, 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, 2009 Lotus Elise (168 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 66 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Mitsubishi Colt. (102 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2009 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Mitsubishi Colt. 1984 Mitsubishi Colt has automatic transmission and 2009 Lotus Elise has manual transmission. 2009 Lotus Elise will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1984 Mitsubishi Colt will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Lotus Elise | 1984 Mitsubishi Colt | |
| Make | Lotus | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Elise | Colt |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1984 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1437 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 882 kg | 920 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1600 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2390 mm |
