1981 Lotus Esprit vs. 2002 Mazda 6
To start off, 2002 Mazda 6 is newer by 21 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 2,261 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Mazda 6 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mazda 6 (164 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mazda 6 should accelerate faster than 1981 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mazda 6 weights approximately 370 kg more than 1981 Lotus Esprit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 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 1981 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Mazda 6, 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, 1981 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Mazda 6. (207 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1981 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Mazda 6.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lotus Esprit | 2002 Mazda 6 | |
| Make | Lotus | Mazda |
| Model | Esprit | 6 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 2261 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 164 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 207 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 1490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 64 L |
