1980 Lotus Esprit vs. 1999 Mazda 323
To start off, 1999 Mazda 323 is newer by 19 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 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Lotus Esprit (210 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 136 more horse power than 1999 Mazda 323. (74 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1999 Mazda 323. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 72 kg more than 1999 Mazda 323. 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, 1999 Mazda 323, 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 (271 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 162 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Mazda 323. (109 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1980 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Mazda 323.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Lotus Esprit | 1999 Mazda 323 | |
| Make | Lotus | Mazda |
| Model | Esprit | 323 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1324 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 109 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.4 mm | 71 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.5:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1219 kg | 1147 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2850 mm |
