1981 Lotus Esprit vs. 2012 Mazda 5
To start off, 2012 Mazda 5 is newer by 31 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 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Mazda 5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Lotus Esprit (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 2012 Mazda 5. (157 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2012 Mazda 5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mazda 5 weights approximately 430 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, 2012 Mazda 5, 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, both vehicles can yield 221 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lotus Esprit | 2012 Mazda 5 | |
| Make | Lotus | Mazda |
| Model | Esprit | 5 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 157 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 1550 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4585 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1615 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2751 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 60 L |
