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 2,614 cc, 2005 Mazda RX-8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mazda RX-8 (189 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 17 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 215 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 1 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mazda RX-8. (220 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1991 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mazda RX-8.
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 | 2614 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 172 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| 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 | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4340 mm | 4430 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 |
