1996 Lotus Elise vs. 1997 Mazda MPV
To start off, 1997 Mazda MPV is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Lotus Elise would be higher. At 2,954 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Mazda MPV is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Mazda MPV (146 HP @ 4700 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1996 Lotus Elise. (116 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Mazda MPV should accelerate faster than 1996 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Mazda MPV weights approximately 1017 kg more than 1996 Lotus Elise. 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, 1997 Mazda MPV (228 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 59 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Lotus Elise. (169 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1997 Mazda MPV will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Lotus Elise | 1997 Mazda MPV | |
| Make | Lotus | Mazda |
| Model | Elise | MPV |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2954 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 146 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Torque | 169 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 705 kg | 1722 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2850 mm |
