2001 Lotus Exige vs. 2003 Mazda 6
To start off, 2003 Mazda 6 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Lotus Exige. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Lotus Exige would be higher. At 2,261 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Mazda 6 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Lotus Exige (177 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 2003 Mazda 6. (164 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 2003 Mazda 6. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mazda 6 weights approximately 650 kg more than 2001 Lotus Exige.
Because 2001 Lotus Exige 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 Exige. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Mazda 6, 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, 2003 Mazda 6 (208 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Lotus Exige. (174 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2003 Mazda 6 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Lotus Exige.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Lotus Exige | 2003 Mazda 6 | |
| Make | Lotus | Mazda |
| Model | Exige | 6 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 2261 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 177 HP | 164 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 208 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 94 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 780 kg | 1430 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1190 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2680 mm |
