1962 Lotus Elan vs. 2001 Mazda Roadster
To start off, 2001 Mazda Roadster is newer by 39 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 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Mazda Roadster is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Mazda Roadster (197 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 97 more horse power than 1962 Lotus Elan. (100 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Mazda Roadster should accelerate faster than 1962 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Mazda Roadster weights approximately 475 kg more than 1962 Lotus Elan. 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, 2001 Mazda Roadster (196 Nm @ 6000 RPM) has 58 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Lotus Elan. (138 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2001 Mazda Roadster will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
1962 Lotus Elan | 2001 Mazda Roadster | |
Make | Lotus | Mazda |
Model | Elan | Roadster |
Year Released | 1962 | 2001 |
Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1496 cc | 2000 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 100 HP | 197 HP |
Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 7000 RPM |
Torque | 138 Nm | 196 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 590 kg | 1065 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 3930 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1750 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1230 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2270 mm |