1987 Lotus Esprit vs. 2006 Mazda 3
To start off, 2006 Mazda 3 is newer by 19 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 (160 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 2006 Mazda 3. (105 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2006 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mazda 3 weights approximately 53 kg more than 1987 Lotus Esprit.
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, 1987 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5250 RPM) has 75 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda 3. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1987 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Lotus Esprit | 2006 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Lotus | Mazda |
| Model | Esprit | 3 |
| Year Released | 1987 | 2006 |
| 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 | 160 HP | 105 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.4 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 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1067 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.1 L/100km | 8.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 55 L |
