1969 Lotus Elan vs. 2006 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2006 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 37 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 1,558 cc (4 cylinders), 1969 Lotus Elan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mazda RX-8 (232 HP @ 8500 RPM) has 124 more horse power than 1969 Lotus Elan. (108 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1969 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 429 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, 2006 Mazda RX-8 (216 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 69 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Elan. (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Lotus Elan | 2006 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Lotus | Mazda |
| Model | Elan | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1969 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 1311 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 232 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 8500 RPM |
| Torque | 147 Nm | 216 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 193 km/hour | 235 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 700 kg | 1129 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3690 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 60 L |
