2008 Lotus Elise vs. 1970 Mazda RX-2
To start off, 2008 Lotus Elise is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Mazda RX-2. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Mazda RX-2 would be higher. At 2,292 cc, 1970 Mazda RX-2 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Lotus Elise (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 1970 Mazda RX-2. (118 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1970 Mazda RX-2. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Mazda RX-2 weights approximately 10 kg more than 2008 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, 2008 Lotus Elise (180 Nm @ 6800 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Mazda RX-2. (157 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2008 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Mazda RX-2.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Lotus Elise | 1970 Mazda RX-2 | |
| Make | Lotus | Mazda |
| Model | Elise | RX-2 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1970 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1795 cc | 2292 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 157 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 950 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2480 mm |
