2009 Lotus Elise vs. 1972 Mazda 1000
To start off, 2009 Lotus Elise is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Mazda 1000. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Mazda 1000 would be higher. At 1,794 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Lotus Elise (219 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 170 more horse power than 1972 Mazda 1000. (49 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1972 Mazda 1000. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Lotus Elise weights approximately 171 kg more than 1972 Mazda 1000. 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, 2009 Lotus Elise (212 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 135 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Mazda 1000. (77 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Mazda 1000.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Lotus Elise | 1972 Mazda 1000 | |
| Make | Lotus | Mazda |
| Model | Elise | 1000 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 219 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 212 Nm | 77 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 881 kg | 710 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 3800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1490 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2270 mm |
