1968 Lotus Elan vs. 1998 Mazda 323
To start off, 1998 Mazda 323 is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Mazda 323 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Lotus Elan (116 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 1998 Mazda 323. (70 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1968 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1998 Mazda 323. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mazda 323 weights approximately 325 kg more than 1968 Lotus Elan.
Because 1968 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 1968 Lotus Elan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Mazda 323, 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, 1968 Lotus Elan (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mazda 323. (130 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1968 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mazda 323.
Compare all specifications:
1968 Lotus Elan | 1998 Mazda 323 | |
Make | Lotus | Mazda |
Model | Elan | 323 |
Year Released | 1968 | 1998 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1558 cc | 1997 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 116 HP | 70 HP |
Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 4500 RPM |
Torque | 146 Nm | 130 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 86 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 86 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 850 kg | 1175 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4210 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1710 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1420 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2620 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 55 L |