1991 Lotus Esprit vs. 2003 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2003 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 12 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 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1991 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mazda RX-8 (228 HP @ 8200 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 1991 Lotus Esprit. (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1991 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 250 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, 1991 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mazda RX-8. (211 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1991 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mazda RX-8.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 Lotus Esprit | 2003 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Lotus | Mazda |
| Model | Esprit | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1991 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1308 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 172 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 8200 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 211 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1175 kg | 1425 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4340 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 73 L | 61 L |
