1994 Lotus Esprit vs. 2006 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2006 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1994 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1994 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,172 cc (4 cylinders), 1994 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1994 Lotus Esprit (264 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 2006 Mazda RX-8. (228 HP @ 8200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1994 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2006 Mazda RX-8.
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, 1994 Lotus Esprit (480 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 269 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda RX-8. (211 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1994 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda RX-8.
Compare all specifications:
| 1994 Lotus Esprit | 2006 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Lotus | Mazda |
| Model | Esprit | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1994 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2172 cc | 1308 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 264 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 8200 RPM |
| Torque | 480 Nm | 211 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 85 mm |
| Top Speed | 267 km/hour | 235 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4340 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 61 L |
