1988 Lotus Esprit vs. 2011 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2011 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mazda RX-8 (232 HP @ 8500 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 1988 Lotus Esprit. (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1988 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 214 kg more than 1988 Lotus Esprit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1988 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Mazda RX-8. (215 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1988 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Mazda RX-8.
Compare all specifications:
1988 Lotus Esprit | 2011 Mazda RX-8 | |
Make | Lotus | Mazda |
Model | Esprit | RX-8 |
Year Released | 1988 | 2011 |
Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
Engine Position | Middle | Front |
Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1300 cc |
Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
Horse Power | 172 HP | 232 HP |
Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 8500 RPM |
Torque | 221 Nm | 215 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1176 kg | 1390 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4460 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1770 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1341 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2703 mm |