1993 Lotus Elan vs. 1979 Mazda 929
To start off, 1993 Lotus Elan is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Mazda 929. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mazda 929 would be higher. At 1,970 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Mazda 929 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1993 Lotus Elan (164 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 1979 Mazda 929. (90 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1993 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1979 Mazda 929. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mazda 929 weights approximately 130 kg more than 1993 Lotus Elan.
Because 1979 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 1979 Mazda 929. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1993 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, 1993 Lotus Elan (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mazda 929. (160 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1993 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mazda 929.
Compare all specifications:
| 1993 Lotus Elan | 1979 Mazda 929 | |
| Make | Lotus | Mazda |
| Model | Elan | 929 |
| Year Released | 1993 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 164 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 204 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1150 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2620 mm |
