2009 Lotus Elise vs. 1987 Mazda 929
To start off, 2009 Lotus Elise is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Mazda 929. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Mazda 929 would be higher. At 2,183 cc (4 cylinders), 1987 Mazda 929 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Lotus Elise (219 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 105 more horse power than 1987 Mazda 929. (114 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1987 Mazda 929. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Mazda 929 weights approximately 429 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 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Mazda 929. (184 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Mazda 929.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Lotus Elise | 1987 Mazda 929 | |
| Make | Lotus | Mazda |
| Model | Elise | 929 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1987 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 2183 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 219 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 212 Nm | 184 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 881 kg | 1310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2720 mm |
