1980 Lotus Esprit vs. 2003 Mazda 6
To start off, 2003 Mazda 6 is newer by 23 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), 2003 Mazda 6 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Lotus Esprit (208 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 2003 Mazda 6. (159 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2003 Mazda 6. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mazda 6 weights approximately 399 kg more than 1980 Lotus Esprit.
Because 2003 Mazda 6 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1980 Lotus Esprit. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Mazda 6 will offer significantly more control. 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 72 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mazda 6. (205 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1980 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mazda 6. 2003 Mazda 6 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. 2003 Mazda 6 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Lotus Esprit | 2003 Mazda 6 | |
| Make | Lotus | Mazda |
| Model | Esprit | 6 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| 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 | 159 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 277 Nm | 205 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 94 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1206 kg | 1605 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 62 L |
