2001 Lotus Elise vs. 2004 Mazda 3
To start off, 2004 Mazda 3 is newer by 3 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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mazda 3 (144 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 2001 Lotus Elise. (120 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 2001 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mazda 3 weights approximately 473 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.
Because 2001 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 2001 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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, 2004 Mazda 3 (184 Nm) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Lotus Elise. (168 Nm). This means 2004 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
2001 Lotus Elise | 2004 Mazda 3 | |
Make | Lotus | Mazda |
Model | Elise | 3 |
Year Released | 2001 | 2004 |
Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
Engine Position | Middle | Front |
Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1998 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 120 HP | 144 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 168 Nm | 184 Nm |
Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 87 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 83 mm |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 750 kg | 1223 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4540 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1760 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1470 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2760 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 55 L |