1987 Lotus Esprit vs. 2011 Mazda CX-7
To start off, 2011 Mazda CX-7 is newer by 24 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 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Mazda CX-7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Lotus Esprit (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 2011 Mazda CX-7. (161 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2011 Mazda CX-7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mazda CX-7 weights approximately 482 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, 2011 Mazda CX-7, 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 3 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Mazda CX-7. (218 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1987 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Mazda CX-7. 2011 Mazda CX-7 has automatic transmission and 1987 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1987 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Mazda CX-7 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Lotus Esprit | 2011 Mazda CX-7 | |
| Make | Lotus | Mazda |
| Model | Esprit | CX-7 |
| Year Released | 1987 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 172 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1104 kg | 1586 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4340 mm | 4681 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1140 mm | 1646 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2751 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 8.3 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 16.1 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 62 L |
