1969 Lotus Elan vs. 1973 Mazda RX-2
To start off, 1973 Mazda RX-2 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 2,292 cc, 1973 Mazda RX-2 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, both vehicles can yield 118 horse power. So under normal driving conditions, the acceleration of both vehicles should be relatively similar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mazda RX-2 weights approximately 71 kg more than 1969 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, 1973 Mazda RX-2 (157 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Elan. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1973 Mazda RX-2 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Lotus Elan | 1973 Mazda RX-2 | |
| Make | Lotus | Mazda |
| Model | Elan | RX-2 |
| Year Released | 1969 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 2292 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 157 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 889 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2480 mm |
