1985 Lotus Esprit vs. 1994 Mazda 323
To start off, 1994 Mazda 323 is newer by 9 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 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Lotus Esprit (158 HP) has 84 more horse power than 1994 Mazda 323. (74 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1985 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1994 Mazda 323. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 83 kg more than 1994 Mazda 323. 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, 1985 Lotus Esprit (217 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 114 more torque (in Nm) than 1994 Mazda 323. (103 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 1985 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1994 Mazda 323.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Lotus Esprit | 1994 Mazda 323 | |
| Make | Lotus | Mazda |
| Model | Esprit | 323 |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1994 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1322 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 74 HP |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 103 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 71 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7 seconds | 12 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1068 kg | 985 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 50 L |
