1981 Lotus Esprit vs. 2005 Mazda 6
To start off, 2005 Mazda 6 is newer by 24 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 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Lotus Esprit (159 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 2005 Mazda 6. (118 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2005 Mazda 6. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mazda 6 weights approximately 278 kg more than 1981 Lotus Esprit.
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, 2005 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 56 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mazda 6. (165 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1981 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mazda 6.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lotus Esprit | 2005 Mazda 6 | |
| Make | Lotus | Mazda |
| Model | Esprit | 6 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 159 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 217 km/hour | 197 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7 seconds | 10.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1067 kg | 1345 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.1 L/100km | 8.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 64 L |
