1960 Lotus Elite vs. 1970 Mazda RX-2
To start off, 1970 Mazda RX-2 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1960 Lotus Elite. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1960 Lotus Elite would be higher. At 2,292 cc, 1970 Mazda RX-2 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1970 Mazda RX-2 (118 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1960 Lotus Elite. (71 HP @ 6100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1970 Mazda RX-2 should accelerate faster than 1960 Lotus Elite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Mazda RX-2 weights approximately 378 kg more than 1960 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, 1970 Mazda RX-2 (157 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Lotus Elite. (104 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1970 Mazda RX-2 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 Lotus Elite.
Compare all specifications:
| 1960 Lotus Elite | 1970 Mazda RX-2 | |
| Make | Lotus | Mazda |
| Model | Elite | RX-2 |
| Year Released | 1960 | 1970 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1216 cc | 2292 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 71 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 104 Nm | 157 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 582 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3770 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2480 mm |
