2009 Lotus Elise vs. 1978 Mazda 818
To start off, 2009 Lotus Elise is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Mazda 818. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Mazda 818 would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Lotus Elise (186 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 118 more horse power than 1978 Mazda 818. (68 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1978 Mazda 818. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mazda 818 weights approximately 215 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, 2009 Lotus Elise (133 Nm @ 6800 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda 818. (92 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mazda 818.
Compare all specifications:
2009 Lotus Elise | 1978 Mazda 818 | |
Make | Lotus | Mazda |
Model | Elise | 818 |
Year Released | 2009 | 1978 |
Engine Position | Middle | Front |
Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1272 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 186 HP | 68 HP |
Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 6200 RPM |
Torque | 133 Nm | 92 Nm |
Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Vehicle Weight | 785 kg | 1000 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 4100 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1600 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1410 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2320 mm |