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 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1987 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Lotus Esprit (160 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 2009 Mazda 3. (104 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2009 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mazda 3 weights approximately 193 kg more than 1987 Lotus Esprit.
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, 1987 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5250 RPM) has 75 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 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 2009 Mazda 3.
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 | 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 | 104 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 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7 seconds | 11 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1067 kg | 1260 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.1 L/100km | 7.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 55 L |
