1980 Lotus Esprit vs. 2006 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2006 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 26 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, 2006 Mazda RX-8 (228 HP @ 8200 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (210 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1980 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 209 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, 1980 Lotus Esprit (271 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda RX-8. (211 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1980 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda RX-8.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Lotus Esprit | 2006 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Lotus | Mazda |
| Model | Esprit | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1308 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 8200 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 211 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.4 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6 seconds | 6.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1219 kg | 1428 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2710 mm |
