2001 Lotus Exige vs. 2008 Mazda 3
To start off, 2008 Mazda 3 is newer by 7 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 1,794 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Lotus Exige is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Lotus Exige (177 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 94 more horse power than 2008 Mazda 3. (83 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 2008 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mazda 3 weights approximately 375 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, 2008 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, 2001 Lotus Exige (174 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda 3. (124 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2001 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Lotus Exige | 2008 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Lotus | Mazda |
| Model | Exige | 3 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 1349 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 177 HP | 83 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 124 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| 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 | 1155 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1190 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 36 L | 55 L |
