1969 Lotus Elan vs. 1981 Mazda Cosmo
To start off, 1981 Mazda Cosmo is newer by 12 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 (2 cylinders), 1981 Mazda Cosmo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Mazda Cosmo (120 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1969 Lotus Elan. (108 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Mazda Cosmo should accelerate faster than 1969 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Mazda Cosmo weights approximately 450 kg more than 1969 Lotus Elan. 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, 1981 Mazda Cosmo (162 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Elan. (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1981 Mazda Cosmo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
1969 Lotus Elan | 1981 Mazda Cosmo | |
Make | Lotus | Mazda |
Model | Elan | Cosmo |
Year Released | 1969 | 1981 |
Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1558 cc | 2292 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 108 HP | 120 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
Torque | 147 Nm | 162 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 700 kg | 1150 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3690 mm | 4670 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1700 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1420 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2620 mm |