1984 Lotus Esprit vs. 1989 Mazda 323
To start off, 1989 Mazda 323 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Lotus Esprit 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 92 more horse power than 1989 Mazda 323. (66 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1984 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1989 Mazda 323. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 197 kg more than 1989 Mazda 323. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1984 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 1984 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Mazda 323, 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, 1984 Lotus Esprit (217 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 115 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Mazda 323. (102 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1984 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Mazda 323.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Lotus Esprit | 1989 Mazda 323 | |
| Make | Lotus | Mazda |
| Model | Esprit | 323 |
| Year Released | 1984 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1324 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 66 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1067 kg | 870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2410 mm |
