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 1,970 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Mazda Cosmo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Lotus Elan (108 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1981 Mazda Cosmo. (102 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1969 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1981 Mazda Cosmo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Mazda Cosmo weights approximately 398 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, 1981 Mazda Cosmo (167 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 20 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 | 1970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 102 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 147 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 98 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 700 kg | 1098 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 |
