1981 Lotus Esprit vs. 2009 Mazda 6
To start off, 2009 Mazda 6 is newer by 28 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 2,183 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Mazda 6 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda 6 (182 HP @ 3500 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda 6 should accelerate faster than 1981 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mazda 6 weights approximately 450 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, 2009 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, 2009 Mazda 6 (400 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 179 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2009 Mazda 6 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lotus Esprit | 2009 Mazda 6 | |
| Make | Lotus | Mazda |
| Model | Esprit | 6 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 2183 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 16.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 1570 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 64 L |
