2001 Lotus Elise vs. 1999 Mazda 121
To start off, 2001 Lotus Elise is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Mazda 121. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Mazda 121 would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Lotus Elise (120 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 1999 Mazda 121. (74 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1999 Mazda 121. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Mazda 121 weights approximately 241 kg more than 2001 Lotus Elise.
Because 2001 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 2001 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Mazda 121, 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, 2001 Lotus Elise (168 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 58 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Mazda 121. (110 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2001 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Mazda 121.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Lotus Elise | 1999 Mazda 121 | |
| Make | Lotus | Mazda |
| Model | Elise | 121 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1241 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 71 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 750 kg | 991 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 3830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2460 mm |
