2009 Lotus Elise vs. 1979 Mazda 121
To start off, 2009 Lotus Elise is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Mazda 121. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mazda 121 would be higher. At 1,970 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Mazda 121 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Lotus Elise (219 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 129 more horse power than 1979 Mazda 121. (90 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1979 Mazda 121. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mazda 121 weights approximately 253 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 52 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mazda 121. (160 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mazda 121.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Lotus Elise | 1979 Mazda 121 | |
| Make | Lotus | Mazda |
| Model | Elise | 121 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 219 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 212 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 881 kg | 1134 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2520 mm |
