1971 Lotus Elan vs. 1985 Mazda RX-7
To start off, 1985 Mazda RX-7 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 2,292 cc, 1985 Mazda RX-7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Mazda RX-7 (165 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 1971 Lotus Elan. (126 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Mazda RX-7 should accelerate faster than 1971 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Mazda RX-7 weights approximately 42 kg more than 1971 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, 1985 Mazda RX-7 (225 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 72 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Lotus Elan. (153 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1985 Mazda RX-7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Lotus Elan | 1985 Mazda RX-7 | |
| Make | Lotus | Mazda |
| Model | Elan | RX-7 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 2292 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 126 HP | 165 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 153 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Top Speed | 193 km/hour | 230 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 870 kg | 912 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2430 mm |
