2005 Lotus Elise vs. 1978 Mazda 929
To start off, 2005 Lotus Elise is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Mazda 929. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Mazda 929 would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Lotus Elise (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 106 more horse power than 1978 Mazda 929. (83 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1978 Mazda 929. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mazda 929 weights approximately 270 kg more than 2005 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, 2005 Lotus Elise (186 Nm @ 6800 RPM) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda 929. (138 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2005 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mazda 929.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Lotus Elise | 1978 Mazda 929 | |
| Make | Lotus | Mazda |
| Model | Elise | 929 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1769 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 83 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 186 Nm | 138 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 850 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2370 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 65 L |
