2006 Lotus Elise vs. 1976 Mazda 818
To start off, 2006 Lotus Elise is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Mazda 818. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Mazda 818 would be higher. At 1,803 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Lotus Elise (190 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 122 more horse power than 1976 Mazda 818. (68 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1976 Mazda 818. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Mazda 818 weights approximately 106 kg more than 2006 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, 2006 Lotus Elise (187 Nm @ 6800 RPM) has 95 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Mazda 818. (92 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Mazda 818.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Lotus Elise | 1976 Mazda 818 | |
| Make | Lotus | Mazda |
| Model | Elise | 818 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1803 cc | 1272 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 68 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 187 Nm | 92 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 896 kg | 1002 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1600 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2320 mm |
