1987 Lotus Esprit vs. 1992 Mazda 121
To start off, 1992 Mazda 121 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1987 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Lotus Esprit (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 1992 Mazda 121. (72 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1992 Mazda 121. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 284 kg more than 1992 Mazda 121. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1987 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 1987 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1992 Mazda 121, 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, 1987 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 116 more torque (in Nm) than 1992 Mazda 121. (105 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 1987 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1992 Mazda 121.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Lotus Esprit | 1992 Mazda 121 | |
| Make | Lotus | Mazda |
| Model | Esprit | 121 |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1992 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1324 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 172 HP | 72 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 105 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 71 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1104 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4340 mm | 3820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1140 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 43 L |
