1986 Lotus Esprit vs. 2000 Mazda Protege
To start off, 2000 Mazda Protege is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Lotus Esprit (215 HP) has 115 more horse power than 2000 Mazda Protege. (100 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1986 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2000 Mazda Protege.
Because 1986 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 1986 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2000 Mazda Protege, 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, 1986 Lotus Esprit (405 Nm) has 241 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Mazda Protege. (164 Nm). This means 1986 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Mazda Protege. 2000 Mazda Protege has automatic transmission and 1986 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1986 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2000 Mazda Protege will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Lotus Esprit | 2000 Mazda Protege | |
| Make | Lotus | Mazda |
| Model | Esprit | Protege |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2000 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1839 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 100 HP |
| Torque | 405 Nm | 164 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 85.1 mm |
| Top Speed | 246 km/hour | 177 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2680 mm |
