1980 Lotus Esprit vs. 1998 Mazda 626
To start off, 1998 Mazda 626 is newer by 18 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 2,172 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Lotus Esprit (208 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 119 more horse power than 1998 Mazda 626. (89 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1998 Mazda 626. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 12 kg more than 1998 Mazda 626. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 Lotus Esprit 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 1980 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Mazda 626, 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, 1980 Lotus Esprit (277 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 132 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mazda 626. (145 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1980 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mazda 626.
Compare all specifications:
1980 Lotus Esprit | 1998 Mazda 626 | |
Make | Lotus | Mazda |
Model | Esprit | 626 |
Year Released | 1980 | 1998 |
Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
Engine Position | Middle | Front |
Engine Size | 2172 cc | 1840 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 208 HP | 89 HP |
Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Torque | 277 Nm | 145 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1206 kg | 1194 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4700 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1760 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1400 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2620 mm |