2003 Lotus Esprit vs. 2002 Mazda 626
To start off, 2003 Lotus Esprit is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Mazda 626. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Mazda 626 would be higher. At 1,973 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Lotus Esprit (240 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 140 more horse power than 2002 Mazda 626. (100 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2002 Mazda 626. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 63 kg more than 2002 Mazda 626. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Lotus Esprit 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 2003 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 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, 2003 Lotus Esprit (294 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 142 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Mazda 626. (152 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Mazda 626.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Lotus Esprit | 2002 Mazda 626 | |
| Make | Lotus | Mazda |
| Model | Esprit | 626 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1973 cc | 1840 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 294 Nm | 152 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1305 kg | 1242 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2680 mm |
