1971 Lotus Elan vs. 1987 Mazda 626
To start off, 1987 Mazda 626 is newer by 16 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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1987 Mazda 626 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Mazda 626 (146 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1971 Lotus Elan. (126 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 Mazda 626 should accelerate faster than 1971 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Mazda 626 weights approximately 450 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.
Because 1971 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 1971 Lotus Elan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1987 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, 1987 Mazda 626 (182 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Lotus Elan. (153 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1987 Mazda 626 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Lotus Elan | 1987 Mazda 626 | |
| Make | Lotus | Mazda |
| Model | Elan | 626 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1987 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 126 HP | 146 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 153 Nm | 182 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 86 mm |
| Top Speed | 193 km/hour | 196 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 870 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2580 mm |
