1968 Lotus Elan vs. 2009 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2009 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 41 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 1,558 cc (4 cylinders), 1968 Lotus Elan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Lotus Elan (116 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 2009 Mazda RX-8. (108 HP @ 8200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1968 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 2009 Mazda RX-8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 275 kg more than 1968 Lotus Elan.
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, 1968 Lotus Elan (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda RX-8. (140 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1968 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda RX-8. 2009 Mazda RX-8 has automatic transmission and 1968 Lotus Elan has manual transmission. 1968 Lotus Elan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Mazda RX-8 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Lotus Elan | 2009 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Lotus | Mazda |
| Model | Elan | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1968 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 1308 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 8200 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 850 kg | 1125 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 61 L |
