2002 Lotus Exige vs. 1970 Mazda RX-2
To start off, 2002 Lotus Exige is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Mazda RX-2. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Mazda RX-2 would be higher. At 2,292 cc, 1970 Mazda RX-2 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Lotus Exige (177 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1970 Mazda RX-2. (118 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1970 Mazda RX-2. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Mazda RX-2 weights approximately 180 kg more than 2002 Lotus Exige.
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 Exige (181 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Mazda RX-2. (157 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2002 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Mazda RX-2.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Lotus Exige | 1970 Mazda RX-2 | |
| Make | Lotus | Mazda |
| Model | Exige | RX-2 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1970 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2292 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 177 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 181 Nm | 157 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 780 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1190 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2480 mm |
