1971 Lotus Elan vs. 1998 Mazda 323
To start off, 1998 Mazda 323 is newer by 27 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 1,839 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Mazda 323 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Lotus Elan (126 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1998 Mazda 323. (114 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1998 Mazda 323. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mazda 323 weights approximately 235 kg more than 1971 Lotus Elan.
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, 1998 Mazda 323, 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, 1998 Mazda 323 (162 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Lotus Elan. (153 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1998 Mazda 323 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Lotus Elan. 1998 Mazda 323 has automatic transmission and 1971 Lotus Elan has manual transmission. 1971 Lotus Elan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Mazda 323 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Lotus Elan | 1998 Mazda 323 | |
| Make | Lotus | Mazda |
| Model | Elan | 323 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 1839 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 126 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 153 Nm | 162 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 870 kg | 1105 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 55 L |
