2009 Lotus Elise vs. 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse
To start off, 2009 Lotus Elise is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Lotus Elise (186 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse. (141 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse weights approximately 535 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, 1998 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, 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse (177 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Lotus Elise. (133 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
2009 Lotus Elise | 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse | |
Make | Lotus | Mitsubishi |
Model | Elise | Eclipse |
Year Released | 2009 | 1998 |
Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
Engine Position | Middle | Front |
Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1995 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 186 HP | 141 HP |
Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 133 Nm | 177 Nm |
Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 5000 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 | 785 kg | 1320 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 4390 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1750 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1300 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2520 mm |