1981 Lotus Esprit vs. 2009 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2009 Mazda RX-8 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 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda RX-8 (232 HP @ 8500 RPM) has 73 more horse power than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (159 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster 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 (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda RX-8. (216 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1981 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda RX-8.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lotus Esprit | 2009 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Lotus | Mazda |
| Model | Esprit | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1306 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 159 HP | 232 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 8500 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 216 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.1 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 64 L |
