1987 Lotus Esprit vs. 2009 Mazda 3
To start off, 2009 Mazda 3 is newer by 22 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 2,260 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda 3 (263 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 91 more horse power than 1987 Lotus Esprit. (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 1987 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mazda 3 weights approximately 446 kg more than 1987 Lotus Esprit. 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, 2009 Mazda 3, 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, 2009 Mazda 3 (380 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 159 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2009 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Lotus Esprit | 2009 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Lotus | Mazda |
| Model | Esprit | 3 |
| Year Released | 1987 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 2260 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 172 HP | 263 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.9:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1104 kg | 1550 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4340 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1140 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 8.3 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 16.1 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.6 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 55 L |
