1971 Lotus Elan vs. 2002 Mazda 6
To start off, 2002 Mazda 6 is newer by 31 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 1,840 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Mazda 6 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Lotus Elan (126 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 2002 Mazda 6. (118 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 2002 Mazda 6. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mazda 6 weights approximately 550 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, 2002 Mazda 6, 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, 2002 Mazda 6 (167 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Lotus Elan. (153 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2002 Mazda 6 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Lotus Elan | 2002 Mazda 6 | |
| Make | Lotus | Mazda |
| Model | Elan | 6 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 1840 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 126 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 153 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 8.4:1 |
| 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 | 1420 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 64 L |
