1980 Lotus Esprit vs. 1968 Mazda R-100
To start off, 1980 Lotus Esprit is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Mazda R-100. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Mazda R-100 would be higher. At 2,172 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Lotus Esprit (208 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 98 more horse power than 1968 Mazda R-100. (110 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1968 Mazda R-100. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 401 kg more than 1968 Mazda R-100. 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, 1980 Lotus Esprit (277 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 142 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Mazda R-100. (135 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1980 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Mazda R-100.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Lotus Esprit | 1968 Mazda R-100 | |
| Make | Lotus | Mazda |
| Model | Esprit | R-100 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1968 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2172 cc | 1963 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 110 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 277 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1206 kg | 805 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 3840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1490 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2270 mm |
