1969 Lotus Elan vs. 1985 Mazda 626
To start off, 1985 Mazda 626 is newer by 16 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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Mazda 626 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Lotus Elan (118 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 1985 Mazda 626. (102 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1969 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1985 Mazda 626. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Mazda 626 weights approximately 147 kg more than 1969 Lotus Elan.
Because 1969 Lotus Elan is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1969 Lotus Elan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 Mazda 626, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1985 Mazda 626 (157 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Elan. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1985 Mazda 626 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
1969 Lotus Elan | 1985 Mazda 626 | |
Make | Lotus | Mazda |
Model | Elan | 626 |
Year Released | 1969 | 1985 |
Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1558 cc | 1998 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 118 HP | 102 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
Torque | 146 Nm | 157 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3700 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 86 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 86 mm |
Top Speed | 190 km/hour | 180 km/hour |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 889 kg | 1036 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 4440 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1710 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1410 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2520 mm |