1966 Lotus Europa vs. 1978 Mazda 626
To start off, 1978 Mazda 626 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Lotus Europa. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Lotus Europa would be higher. At 1,970 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Mazda 626 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Mazda 626 (79 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1966 Lotus Europa. (76 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mazda 626 should accelerate faster than 1966 Lotus Europa. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mazda 626 weights approximately 560 kg more than 1966 Lotus Europa. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Let's talk about torque, 1978 Mazda 626 (142 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 39 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Lotus Europa. (103 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1978 Mazda 626 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Lotus Europa.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Lotus Europa | 1978 Mazda 626 | |
| Make | Lotus | Mazda |
| Model | Europa | 626 |
| Year Released | 1966 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1468 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 103 Nm | 142 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 610 kg | 1170 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1080 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2520 mm |
