1990 Lotus Elan vs. 1987 Mazda 929
To start off, 1990 Lotus Elan is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Mazda 929. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Mazda 929 would be higher. At 2,183 cc (4 cylinders), 1987 Mazda 929 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Lotus Elan (163 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1987 Mazda 929. (114 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1987 Mazda 929. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Mazda 929 weights approximately 290 kg more than 1990 Lotus Elan.
Because 1987 Mazda 929 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 Mazda 929. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 Lotus Elan, 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, 1990 Lotus Elan (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Mazda 929. (184 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1990 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Mazda 929.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Lotus Elan | 1987 Mazda 929 | |
| Make | Lotus | Mazda |
| Model | Elan | 929 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1987 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 2183 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 204 Nm | 184 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2720 mm |
