1962 Lotus Elan vs. 2006 Mazda 3
To start off, 2006 Mazda 3 is newer by 44 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 1,998 cc, 2006 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mazda 3 (139 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 1962 Lotus Elan. (100 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 1962 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mazda 3 weights approximately 544 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, 2006 Mazda 3 (182 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Lotus Elan. (138 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 Lotus Elan | 2006 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Lotus | Mazda |
| Model | Elan | 3 |
| Year Released | 1962 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1496 cc | 1998 cc |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 139 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 138 Nm | 182 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.7 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 590 kg | 1134 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 55 L |
