1964 Lotus Elan vs. 2008 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2008 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 44 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1964 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1964 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,498 cc (4 cylinders), 1964 Lotus Elan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda RX-8 (189 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 1964 Lotus Elan. (100 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1964 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 832 kg more than 1964 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, 2008 Mazda RX-8 (220 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 82 more torque (in Nm) than 1964 Lotus Elan. (138 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2008 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1964 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1964 Lotus Elan | 2008 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Lotus | Mazda |
| Model | Elan | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1964 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 1308 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 138 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.7 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 223 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 590 kg | 1422 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 61 L |
