1974 Lotus Elite vs. 1994 Mazda 323
To start off, 1994 Mazda 323 is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Lotus Elite. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Lotus Elite would be higher. At 1,973 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Lotus Elite is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Lotus Elite (142 HP) has 68 more horse power than 1994 Mazda 323. (74 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1974 Lotus Elite should accelerate faster than 1994 Mazda 323. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Lotus Elite weights approximately 75 kg more than 1994 Mazda 323. 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, 1974 Lotus Elite (177 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 1994 Mazda 323. (103 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 1974 Lotus Elite will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1994 Mazda 323.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Lotus Elite | 1994 Mazda 323 | |
| Make | Lotus | Mazda |
| Model | Elite | 323 |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1994 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1973 cc | 1322 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 142 HP | 74 HP |
| Torque | 177 Nm | 103 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.2 mm | 71 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69.3 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1060 kg | 985 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 50 L |
