1981 Lotus Esprit vs. 1986 Mazda 929
To start off, 1986 Mazda 929 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,953 cc (6 cylinders), 1986 Mazda 929 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Lotus Esprit (208 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1986 Mazda 929. (190 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1986 Mazda 929. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Mazda 929 weights approximately 425 kg more than 1981 Lotus Esprit.
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, 1981 Lotus Esprit (277 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Mazda 929. (259 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1981 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Mazda 929. 1986 Mazda 929 has automatic transmission and 1981 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1981 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1986 Mazda 929 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lotus Esprit | 1986 Mazda 929 | |
| Make | Lotus | Mazda |
| Model | Esprit | 929 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2172 cc | 2953 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 277 Nm | 259 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 1625 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4930 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2720 mm |
