2001 Lotus Elise vs. 2003 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2003 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Lotus Elise would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mazda RX-8 (228 HP @ 8200 RPM) has 108 more horse power than 2001 Lotus Elise. (120 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2001 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 675 kg more than 2001 Lotus Elise. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2003 Mazda RX-8 (211 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Lotus Elise. (168 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2003 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Lotus Elise | 2003 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Lotus | Mazda |
| Model | Elise | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1308 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 8200 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 211 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 199 km/hour | 235 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 750 kg | 1425 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 61 L |
