1980 Lotus Esprit vs. 2008 Mazda 3
To start off, 2008 Mazda 3 is newer by 28 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 62 more horse power than 2008 Mazda 3. (148 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2008 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mazda 3 weights approximately 6 kg more than 1980 Lotus Esprit.
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, 2008 Mazda 3, 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 89 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda 3. (182 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1980 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Lotus Esprit | 2008 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Lotus | Mazda |
| Model | Esprit | 3 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 182 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.4 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1219 kg | 1225 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2650 mm |
