1999 Lotus Elise vs. 1994 Mazda 626
To start off, 1999 Lotus Elise is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1994 Mazda 626. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1994 Mazda 626 would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1994 Mazda 626 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Lotus Elise (118 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1994 Mazda 626. (74 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1994 Mazda 626. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1994 Mazda 626 weights approximately 550 kg more than 1999 Lotus Elise.
Because 1999 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 1999 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1994 Mazda 626, 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, 1994 Mazda 626 (172 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Lotus Elise. (165 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1994 Mazda 626 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Lotus Elise | 1994 Mazda 626 | |
| Make | Lotus | Mazda |
| Model | Elise | 626 |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1994 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.4 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 21.1:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 708 kg | 1258 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 60 L |
