1989 Lotus Esprit vs. 2011 Mazda 3
To start off, 2011 Mazda 3 is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,172 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Lotus Esprit (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 2011 Mazda 3. (148 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2011 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mazda 3 weights approximately 125 kg more than 1989 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1989 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 1989 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 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, 1989 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 38 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Mazda 3. (183 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1989 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Mazda 3. 2011 Mazda 3 has automatic transmission and 1989 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1989 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Mazda 3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1989 Lotus Esprit | 2011 Mazda 3 | |
Make | Lotus | Mazda |
Model | Esprit | 3 |
Year Released | 1989 | 2011 |
Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
Engine Position | Middle | Front |
Engine Size | 2172 cc | 2000 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 172 HP | 148 HP |
Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
Torque | 221 Nm | 183 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed automatic |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1175 kg | 1300 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4590 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1755 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1471 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2639 mm |