1989 Lotus Esprit vs. 1978 Mazda 121
To start off, 1989 Lotus Esprit is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Mazda 121. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Mazda 121 would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Lotus Esprit (216 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 130 more horse power than 1978 Mazda 121. (86 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1978 Mazda 121. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 18 kg more than 1978 Mazda 121. 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, 1989 Lotus Esprit (298 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 138 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda 121. (160 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1989 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mazda 121.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Lotus Esprit | 1978 Mazda 121 | |
| Make | Lotus | Mazda |
| Model | Esprit | 121 |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 216 HP | 86 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1148 kg | 1130 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2520 mm |
