2000 Lotus Elise vs. 2005 Mazda 3
To start off, 2005 Mazda 3 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2000 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2000 Lotus Elise would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2000 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Lotus Elise (143 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 2005 Mazda 3. (108 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2005 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mazda 3 weights approximately 465 kg more than 2000 Lotus Elise.
Because 2000 Lotus Elise is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2000 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Mazda 3, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2000 Lotus Elise (174 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mazda 3. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2000 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mazda 3. 2005 Mazda 3 has automatic transmission and 2000 Lotus Elise has manual transmission. 2000 Lotus Elise will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Mazda 3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Lotus Elise | 2005 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Lotus | Mazda |
| Model | Elise | 3 |
| Year Released | 2000 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 143 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Top Speed | 214 km/hour | 185 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.4 seconds | 11 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 720 kg | 1185 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3740 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 36 L | 55 L |
