2002 Lotus Elise vs. 1983 Mazda RX-7
To start off, 2002 Lotus Elise is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Mazda RX-7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Mazda RX-7 would be higher. At 2,292 cc, 1983 Mazda RX-7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Lotus Elise (156 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 1983 Mazda RX-7. (105 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1983 Mazda RX-7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Mazda RX-7 weights approximately 254 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 (180 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Mazda RX-7. (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2002 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Mazda RX-7.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Lotus Elise | 1983 Mazda RX-7 | |
| Make | Lotus | Mazda |
| Model | Elise | RX-7 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1983 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2292 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 156 HP | 105 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 806 kg | 1060 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 65 L |
