1997 Lotus Elise vs. 2002 Mazda Laputa
To start off, 2002 Mazda Laputa is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Lotus Elise would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Lotus Elise (117 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 2002 Mazda Laputa. (52 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2002 Mazda Laputa. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mazda Laputa weights approximately 45 kg more than 1997 Lotus Elise.
Because 1997 Lotus Elise 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 1997 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Mazda Laputa, 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, 1997 Lotus Elise (169 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 106 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Mazda Laputa. (63 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1997 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Mazda Laputa.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Lotus Elise | 2002 Mazda Laputa | |
| Make | Lotus | Mazda |
| Model | Elise | Laputa |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 657 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 117 HP | 52 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 169 Nm | 63 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 68 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.4 mm | 60.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 705 kg | 750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 3400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1480 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1550 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2370 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 30 L |
