1958 Lotus Elite vs. 1979 Mazda 121
To start off, 1979 Mazda 121 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Lotus Elite. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Lotus Elite would be higher. At 1,970 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Mazda 121 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Mazda 121 (90 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1958 Lotus Elite. (71 HP @ 6100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Mazda 121 should accelerate faster than 1958 Lotus Elite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mazda 121 weights approximately 554 kg more than 1958 Lotus Elite. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1979 Mazda 121 (160 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Lotus Elite. (105 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1979 Mazda 121 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Lotus Elite.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Lotus Elite | 1979 Mazda 121 | |
| Make | Lotus | Mazda |
| Model | Elite | 121 |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1216 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 71 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 105 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76.2 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66.7 mm | 98 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 580 kg | 1134 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3770 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2520 mm |
