1998 Lotus Elise vs. 1972 Mazda 818
To start off, 1998 Lotus Elise is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Mazda 818. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Mazda 818 would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Lotus Elise (116 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1972 Mazda 818. (79 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1972 Mazda 818. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Mazda 818 weights approximately 295 kg more than 1998 Lotus Elise.
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, 1998 Lotus Elise (165 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Mazda 818. (124 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1998 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Mazda 818.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Lotus Elise | 1972 Mazda 818 | |
| Make | Lotus | Mazda |
| Model | Elise | 818 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1586 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 124 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 705 kg | 1000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1600 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2320 mm |
