1968 Lotus Europa vs. 1979 Mazda 121
To start off, 1979 Mazda 121 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Lotus Europa. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Lotus Europa would be higher. At 1,970 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Mazda 121 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Mazda 121 (90 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1968 Lotus Europa. (76 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Mazda 121 should accelerate faster than 1968 Lotus Europa. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mazda 121 weights approximately 524 kg more than 1968 Lotus Europa. 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, 1979 Mazda 121 (160 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 57 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Lotus Europa. (103 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1979 Mazda 121 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Lotus Europa.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Lotus Europa | 1979 Mazda 121 | |
| Make | Lotus | Mazda |
| Model | Europa | 121 |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1470 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 103 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 610 kg | 1134 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1080 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2520 mm |
