2002 Lotus Exige vs. 1999 Mazda 626
To start off, 2002 Lotus Exige is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Mazda 626. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Mazda 626 would be higher. At 1,839 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Mazda 626 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Lotus Exige (177 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 1999 Mazda 626. (100 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1999 Mazda 626. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Mazda 626 weights approximately 460 kg more than 2002 Lotus Exige.
Because 2002 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 2002 Lotus Exige. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Mazda 626, 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, 2002 Lotus Exige (181 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Mazda 626. (152 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2002 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Mazda 626.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Lotus Exige | 1999 Mazda 626 | |
| Make | Lotus | Mazda |
| Model | Exige | 626 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1839 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 177 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 181 Nm | 152 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| 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 | 1240 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1190 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 36 L | 64 L |
