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 (212 HP @ 7500 RPM) has 96 more horse power than 1969 Lotus Elan. (116 HP @ 6250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster 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, 2006 Mazda RX-8 (216 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Elan. (146 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. 2006 Mazda RX-8 has automatic transmission and 1969 Lotus Elan has manual transmission. 1969 Lotus Elan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Mazda RX-8 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
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 | 116 HP | 212 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 7500 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 216 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 60 L |
