1998 Lotus Elise vs. 2009 Mazda 5
To start off, 2009 Mazda 5 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Lotus Elise would be higher. At 1,798 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Mazda 5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Lotus Elise (116 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 2009 Mazda 5. (113 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2009 Mazda 5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mazda 5 weights approximately 695 kg more than 1998 Lotus Elise.
Because 1998 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 1998 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Mazda 5, 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, both vehicles can yield 165 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Lotus Elise | 2009 Mazda 5 | |
| Make | Lotus | Mazda |
| Model | Elise | 5 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.4 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 705 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1620 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 13.5 L/100km | 7.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 60 L |
