1985 Lotus Esprit vs. 1987 Mazda 626
To start off, 1987 Mazda 626 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,183 cc (4 cylinders), 1987 Mazda 626 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Lotus Esprit (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1987 Mazda 626. (116 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1987 Mazda 626. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Mazda 626 weights approximately 97 kg more than 1985 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1985 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 1985 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1987 Mazda 626, 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, 1985 Lotus Esprit (217 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Mazda 626. (184 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1985 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Mazda 626.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Lotus Esprit | 1987 Mazda 626 | |
| Make | Lotus | Mazda |
| Model | Esprit | 626 |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1987 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 2183 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 184 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1068 kg | 1165 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 65 L |
