1980 Lotus Esprit vs. 2010 Mazda CX-7
To start off, 2010 Mazda CX-7 is newer by 30 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 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2010 Mazda CX-7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Lotus Esprit (208 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 2010 Mazda CX-7. (161 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2010 Mazda CX-7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Mazda CX-7 weights approximately 380 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, 2010 Mazda CX-7, 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 @ 4500 RPM) has 59 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 Mazda CX-7. (218 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1980 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 Mazda CX-7. 2010 Mazda CX-7 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. 2010 Mazda CX-7 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Lotus Esprit | 2010 Mazda CX-7 | |
| Make | Lotus | Mazda |
| Model | Esprit | CX-7 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2172 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 277 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1206 kg | 1586 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4681 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1646 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2751 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 62 L |
