1959 Lotus Elite vs. 2012 Mazda 5
To start off, 2012 Mazda 5 is newer by 53 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Lotus Elite. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Lotus Elite would be higher. At 1,798 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Mazda 5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mazda 5 (113 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1959 Lotus Elite. (71 HP @ 6100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mazda 5 should accelerate faster than 1959 Lotus Elite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mazda 5 weights approximately 890 kg more than 1959 Lotus Elite. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 Lotus Elite 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 1959 Lotus Elite. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Mazda 5, 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, 2012 Mazda 5 (165 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Lotus Elite. (104 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2012 Mazda 5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Lotus Elite.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Lotus Elite | 2012 Mazda 5 | |
| Make | Lotus | Mazda |
| Model | Elite | 5 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1216 cc | 1798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 71 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 104 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 580 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3710 mm | 4585 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1190 mm | 1615 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2751 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 29 L | 60 L |
