1991 Lotus Esprit vs. 1997 Mazda RX-7
To start off, 1997 Mazda RX-7 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1991 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1991 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,616 cc, 1997 Mazda RX-7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Mazda RX-7 (197 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1991 Lotus Esprit. (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Mazda RX-7 should accelerate faster than 1991 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Mazda RX-7 weights approximately 135 kg more than 1991 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, 1997 Mazda RX-7 (271 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1997 Mazda RX-7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1991 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 Lotus Esprit | 1997 Mazda RX-7 | |
| Make | Lotus | Mazda |
| Model | Esprit | RX-7 |
| Year Released | 1991 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 2616 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 172 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1175 kg | 1310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4340 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2430 mm |
