1984 Lotus Esprit vs. 1978 Mazda 626
To start off, 1984 Lotus Esprit is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Mazda 626. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Mazda 626 would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1984 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1984 Lotus Esprit (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 1978 Mazda 626. (93 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1984 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1978 Mazda 626. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 72 kg more than 1978 Mazda 626. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1984 Lotus Esprit (217 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 67 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda 626. (150 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1984 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mazda 626.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Lotus Esprit | 1978 Mazda 626 | |
| Make | Lotus | Mazda |
| Model | Esprit | 626 |
| Year Released | 1984 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1768 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 93 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 150 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1067 kg | 995 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2520 mm |
