1996 Lotus Elan vs. 2006 Mazda 6
To start off, 2006 Mazda 6 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Mazda 6 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Lotus Elan (163 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 2006 Mazda 6. (134 HP @ 3500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 2006 Mazda 6. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mazda 6 weights approximately 465 kg more than 1996 Lotus Elan.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear 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, 2006 Mazda 6 (310 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 106 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Lotus Elan. (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2006 Mazda 6 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Lotus Elan | 2006 Mazda 6 | |
| Make | Lotus | Mazda |
| Model | Elan | 6 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 204 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1485 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2680 mm |
