2009 Lotus Elise vs. 1978 Mazda Cosmo
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 Cosmo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Mazda Cosmo 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 126 more horse power than 1978 Mazda Cosmo. (93 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1978 Mazda Cosmo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mazda Cosmo weights approximately 211 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 (212 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 62 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda Cosmo. (150 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2009 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mazda Cosmo.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Lotus Elise | 1978 Mazda Cosmo | |
| Make | Lotus | Mazda |
| Model | Elise | Cosmo |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 1769 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 219 HP | 93 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 212 Nm | 150 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 881 kg | 1092 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 44 L | 65 L |
