1989 Lotus Esprit vs. 1981 Mazda RX-7
To start off, 1989 Lotus Esprit is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Mazda RX-7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Mazda RX-7 would be higher. At 2,292 cc, 1981 Mazda RX-7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Lotus Esprit (216 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 112 more horse power than 1981 Mazda RX-7. (104 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1981 Mazda RX-7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 88 kg more than 1981 Mazda RX-7. 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 153 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Mazda RX-7. (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1989 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Mazda RX-7.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Lotus Esprit | 1981 Mazda RX-7 | |
| Make | Lotus | Mazda |
| Model | Esprit | RX-7 |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 2292 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 216 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Top Speed | 245 km/hour | 188 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1148 kg | 1060 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2430 mm |
