2016 Mitsubishi Lancer is the newer version with some differences, such as the horsepower and fuel economy.. And finally, the 2015 Mitsubishi Lancer has a more powerful engine than the 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer, and it gets 1.6 fewer miles on a gallon of fuel. Among similarities are the body structure, starting price, ground shadow size, height, and maximum occupancy.