2005 Lotus Elise vs. 1976 Mazda RX-3
To start off, 2005 Lotus Elise is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Mazda RX-3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Mazda RX-3 would be higher. At 1,964 cc, 1976 Mazda RX-3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Lotus Elise (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 1976 Mazda RX-3. (100 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1976 Mazda RX-3.
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, 2005 Lotus Elise (186 Nm @ 6800 RPM) has 51 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Mazda RX-3. (135 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2005 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Mazda RX-3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Lotus Elise | 1976 Mazda RX-3 | |
| Make | Lotus | Mazda |
| Model | Elise | RX-3 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1976 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1964 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 186 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 850 kg | 850 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1600 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2320 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 65 L |
