1980 Lotus Esprit vs. 2001 Mazda Atenza
To start off, 2001 Mazda Atenza is newer by 21 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 2,261 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Mazda Atenza is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Lotus Esprit (208 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 105 more horse power than 2001 Mazda Atenza. (103 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2001 Mazda Atenza. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 176 kg more than 2001 Mazda Atenza. 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, 2001 Mazda Atenza, 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) has 37 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Mazda Atenza. (240 Nm). This means 1980 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Mazda Atenza. 2001 Mazda Atenza has automatic transmission and 1980 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1980 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Mazda Atenza will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Lotus Esprit | 2001 Mazda Atenza | |
| Make | Lotus | Mazda |
| Model | Esprit | Atenza |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2172 cc | 2261 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 103 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 277 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 94 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1206 kg | 1030 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2680 mm |
