1984 Lotus Esprit vs. 2007 Mazda 3
To start off, 2007 Mazda 3 is newer by 23 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 54 more horse power than 2007 Mazda 3. (104 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1984 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2007 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Mazda 3 weights approximately 193 kg more than 1984 Lotus Esprit.
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, 2007 Mazda 3, 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 72 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Mazda 3. (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1984 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Lotus Esprit | 2007 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Lotus | Mazda |
| Model | Esprit | 3 |
| Year Released | 1984 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7 seconds | 11.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1067 kg | 1260 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.3 L/100km | 7.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 55 L |
