1998 Lotus Elise vs. 2010 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2010 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 12 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 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Mazda RX-8 (212 HP @ 7500 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1998 Lotus Elise. (187 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1998 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 697 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, 2010 Mazda RX-8 (215 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Lotus Elise. (193 Nm @ 5600 RPM). This means 2010 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Lotus Elise. 2010 Mazda RX-8 has automatic transmission and 1998 Lotus Elise has manual transmission. 1998 Lotus Elise will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2010 Mazda RX-8 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1998 Lotus Elise | 2010 Mazda RX-8 | |
Make | Lotus | Mazda |
Model | Elise | RX-8 |
Year Released | 1998 | 2010 |
Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
Engine Position | Middle | Front |
Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1300 cc |
Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
Horse Power | 187 HP | 212 HP |
Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 7500 RPM |
Torque | 193 Nm | 215 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 714 kg | 1411 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3740 mm | 4460 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1770 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1341 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2700 mm |