1991 Lotus Esprit vs. 2005 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2005 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 14 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, 2005 Mazda RX-8 (197 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1991 Lotus Esprit. (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1991 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 210 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, 2005 Mazda RX-8 (222 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2005 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1991 Lotus Esprit. 2005 Mazda RX-8 has automatic transmission and 1991 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1991 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Mazda RX-8 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 Lotus Esprit | 2005 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Lotus | Mazda |
| Model | Esprit | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1991 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1311 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 172 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 222 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1175 kg | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4340 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 73 L | 60 L |
