1997 Lotus Elise vs. 2007 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2007 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 10 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, 2007 Mazda RX-8 (189 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 72 more horse power than 1997 Lotus Elise. (117 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1997 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 720 kg more than 1997 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, 2007 Mazda RX-8 (220 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 51 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Lotus Elise. (169 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2007 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Lotus Elise | 2007 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Lotus | Mazda |
| Model | Elise | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1306 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 117 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 169 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 705 kg | 1425 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 13.3 L/100km | 12.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 61 L |
