2007 Lotus Elise vs. 1977 Mazda 818
To start off, 2007 Lotus Elise is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Mazda 818. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 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 (120 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 1977 Mazda 818. (68 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1977 Mazda 818. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Mazda 818 weights approximately 215 kg more than 2007 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, 2007 Lotus Elise (169 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 77 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 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 1977 Mazda 818.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Lotus Elise | 1977 Mazda 818 | |
| Make | Lotus | Mazda |
| Model | Elise | 818 |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1977 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1271 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 68 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 169 Nm | 92 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 785 kg | 1000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1600 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2320 mm |
