2005 Lotus Exige vs. 1979 Mazda Montrose
To start off, 2005 Lotus Exige is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Mazda Montrose. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mazda Montrose would be higher. At 1,968 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Mazda Montrose is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Lotus Exige (240 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 150 more horse power than 1979 Mazda Montrose. (90 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1979 Mazda Montrose.
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 Exige (237 Nm @ 7000 RPM) has 84 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mazda Montrose. (153 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2005 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mazda Montrose. 1979 Mazda Montrose has automatic transmission and 2005 Lotus Exige has manual transmission. 2005 Lotus Exige will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Mazda Montrose will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Lotus Exige | 1979 Mazda Montrose | |
| Make | Lotus | Mazda |
| Model | Exige | Montrose |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1968 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 237 Nm | 153 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 7000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 98 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 55 L |
