1968 Lotus Europa vs. 1998 Mazda RX-7
To start off, 1998 Mazda RX-7 is newer by 30 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 2,616 cc, 1998 Mazda RX-7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mazda RX-7 (280 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 204 more horse power than 1968 Lotus Europa. (76 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mazda RX-7 should accelerate faster than 1968 Lotus Europa. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mazda RX-7 weights approximately 660 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, 1998 Mazda RX-7 (315 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 212 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Lotus Europa. (103 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1998 Mazda RX-7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Lotus Europa.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Lotus Europa | 1998 Mazda RX-7 | |
| Make | Lotus | Mazda |
| Model | Europa | RX-7 |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1470 cc | 2616 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 280 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 103 Nm | 315 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 610 kg | 1270 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1080 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 76 L |
