1982 Lotus Esprit vs. 1979 Mazda 121
To start off, 1982 Lotus Esprit is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Mazda 121. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mazda 121 would be higher. At 2,172 cc (4 cylinders), 1982 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1982 Lotus Esprit (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 1979 Mazda 121. (90 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1982 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1979 Mazda 121. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mazda 121 weights approximately 67 kg more than 1982 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, 1982 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mazda 121. (160 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1982 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mazda 121.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Lotus Esprit | 1979 Mazda 121 | |
| Make | Lotus | Mazda |
| Model | Esprit | 121 |
| Year Released | 1982 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2172 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 98 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1067 kg | 1134 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2520 mm |
