2011 Lotus Exige vs. 1996 Mitsubishi Magna
To start off, 2011 Lotus Exige is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mitsubishi Magna. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mitsubishi Magna would be higher. At 2,351 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Mitsubishi Magna is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Lotus Exige (240 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 99 more horse power than 1996 Mitsubishi Magna. (141 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2011 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1996 Mitsubishi Magna. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mitsubishi Magna weights approximately 432 kg more than 2011 Lotus Exige.
Because 2011 Lotus Exige 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 2011 Lotus Exige. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Mitsubishi Magna, 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 Lotus Exige (230 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mitsubishi Magna. (205 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2011 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mitsubishi Magna. 1996 Mitsubishi Magna has automatic transmission and 2011 Lotus Exige has manual transmission. 2011 Lotus Exige will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Mitsubishi Magna will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2011 Lotus Exige | 1996 Mitsubishi Magna | |
| Make | Lotus | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Exige | Magna |
| Year Released | 2011 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1800 cc | 2351 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 205 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 942 kg | 1374 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3797 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1727 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1158 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2299 mm | 2730 mm |
