2009 Lotus Elise vs. 1973 Mazda RX-2
To start off, 2009 Lotus Elise is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mazda RX-2. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mazda RX-2 would be higher. At 2,292 cc, 1973 Mazda RX-2 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Lotus Elise (186 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 1973 Mazda RX-2. (118 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1973 Mazda RX-2. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mazda RX-2 weights approximately 175 kg more than 2009 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, 1973 Mazda RX-2 (157 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Lotus Elise. (133 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 1973 Mazda RX-2 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Lotus Elise | 1973 Mazda RX-2 | |
| Make | Lotus | Mazda |
| Model | Elise | RX-2 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2292 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 186 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 133 Nm | 157 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 785 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2480 mm |
