1980 Lotus Esprit vs. 1994 Mazda RX-7
To start off, 1994 Mazda RX-7 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,615 cc, 1994 Mazda RX-7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1994 Mazda RX-7 (238 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1994 Mazda RX-7 should accelerate faster than 1980 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1994 Mazda RX-7 weights approximately 180 kg more than 1980 Lotus Esprit. 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, 1994 Mazda RX-7 (296 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (222 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1994 Mazda RX-7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Lotus Esprit | 1994 Mazda RX-7 | |
| Make | Lotus | Mazda |
| Model | Esprit | RX-7 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1994 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 2615 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 296 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 77 L |
