1962 Lotus Elan vs. 1996 Mazda 121
To start off, 1996 Mazda 121 is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,753 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Mazda 121 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1962 Lotus Elan (100 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 1996 Mazda 121. (59 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1962 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1996 Mazda 121. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mazda 121 weights approximately 474 kg more than 1962 Lotus Elan.
Because 1962 Lotus Elan 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 1962 Lotus Elan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Mazda 121, 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, 1962 Lotus Elan (138 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mazda 121. (110 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1962 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mazda 121.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 Lotus Elan | 1996 Mazda 121 | |
| Make | Lotus | Mazda |
| Model | Elan | 121 |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1496 cc | 1753 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 138 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 590 kg | 1064 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 3830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2460 mm |
