2006 Lotus Elise vs. 1983 Mazda Cosmo
To start off, 2006 Lotus Elise is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Mazda Cosmo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Mazda Cosmo would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Lotus Elise (189 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 96 more horse power than 1983 Mazda Cosmo. (93 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1983 Mazda Cosmo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Mazda Cosmo weights approximately 304 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 (168 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Mazda Cosmo. (149 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2006 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Mazda Cosmo.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Lotus Elise | 1983 Mazda Cosmo | |
| Make | Lotus | Mazda |
| Model | Elise | Cosmo |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1983 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| 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 | 93 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 149 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 786 kg | 1090 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2620 mm |
