1962 Lotus Elan vs. 2007 Mazda 5
To start off, 2007 Mazda 5 is newer by 45 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 1,798 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Mazda 5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mazda 5 (118 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1962 Lotus Elan. (100 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mazda 5 should accelerate faster than 1962 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Mazda 5 weights approximately 885 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.
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, 2007 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, 2007 Mazda 5 (165 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Lotus Elan. (138 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2007 Mazda 5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 Lotus Elan | 2007 Mazda 5 | |
| Make | Lotus | Mazda |
| Model | Elan | 5 |
| Year Released | 1962 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1496 cc | 1798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 138 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.7 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 590 kg | 1475 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1620 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 60 L |
