1998 Lotus Elise vs. 1981 Mazda Cosmo
To start off, 1998 Lotus Elise is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Mazda Cosmo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Mazda Cosmo would be higher. At 2,292 cc (2 cylinders), 1981 Mazda Cosmo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Mazda Cosmo (120 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1998 Lotus Elise. (116 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Mazda Cosmo should accelerate faster than 1998 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Mazda Cosmo weights approximately 445 kg more than 1998 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, 1998 Lotus Elise (165 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Mazda Cosmo. (162 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1998 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Mazda Cosmo.
Compare all specifications:
1998 Lotus Elise | 1981 Mazda Cosmo | |
Make | Lotus | Mazda |
Model | Elise | Cosmo |
Year Released | 1998 | 1981 |
Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
Engine Position | Middle | Front |
Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2292 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 116 HP | 120 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7000 RPM |
Torque | 165 Nm | 162 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 705 kg | 1150 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4670 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1700 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1420 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2620 mm |