2009 Lotus Elise vs. 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
To start off, 2009 Lotus Elise is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Lotus Elise (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer. (152 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer weights approximately 516 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, 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer, 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, 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer (198 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Lotus Elise. (180 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Lotus Elise | 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer | |
| Make | Lotus | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Elise | Lancer |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 152 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 198 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 954 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 8.7 L/100km | 8.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.2 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.8 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 58 L |
