2007 Lotus Elise vs. 1972 Mazda 818
To start off, 2007 Lotus Elise is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Mazda 818. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Mazda 818 would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Lotus Elise (190 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 122 more horse power than 1972 Mazda 818. (68 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1972 Mazda 818. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Lotus Elise weights approximately 16 kg more than 1972 Mazda 818. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2007 Lotus Elise (187 Nm @ 6800 RPM) has 95 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Mazda 818. (92 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2007 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Mazda 818.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Lotus Elise | 1972 Mazda 818 | |
| Make | Lotus | Mazda |
| Model | Elise | 818 |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 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 |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 896 kg | 880 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4080 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1600 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2320 mm |
