1971 Lotus Elan vs. 2011 Mazda 6
To start off, 2011 Mazda 6 is newer by 40 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 1,999 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Mazda 6 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mazda 6 (153 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1971 Lotus Elan. (126 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mazda 6 should accelerate faster than 1971 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mazda 6 weights approximately 565 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, 2011 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, 2011 Mazda 6 (193 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Lotus Elan. (153 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2011 Mazda 6 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Lotus Elan. 2011 Mazda 6 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. 2011 Mazda 6 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Lotus Elan | 2011 Mazda 6 | |
| Make | Lotus | Mazda |
| Model | Elan | 6 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 126 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 153 Nm | 193 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Top Speed | 193 km/hour | 216 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 870 kg | 1435 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4755 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1795 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2789 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 70 L |
