2002 Lotus Elise vs. 1978 Mazda 626
To start off, 2002 Lotus Elise is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Mazda 626. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Mazda 626 would be higher. At 1,970 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Mazda 626 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Lotus Elise (134 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1978 Mazda 626. (79 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1978 Mazda 626. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mazda 626 weights approximately 414 kg more than 2002 Lotus Elise.
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, 2002 Lotus Elise (175 Nm @ 4850 RPM) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda 626. (142 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2002 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mazda 626.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Lotus Elise | 1978 Mazda 626 | |
| Make | Lotus | Mazda |
| Model | Elise | 626 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 142 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4850 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 756 kg | 1170 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2520 mm |
