2002 Mazda 6 vs. 2012 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2012 Lotus Exige is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Mazda 6. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Mazda 6 would be higher. At 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Mazda 6 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Lotus Exige (257 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 109 more horse power than 2002 Mazda 6. (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 2002 Mazda 6. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mazda 6 weights approximately 516 kg more than 2012 Lotus Exige.
Because 2012 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 2012 Lotus Exige. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 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, 2012 Lotus Exige (236 Nm @ 6000 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Mazda 6. (181 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2012 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Mazda 6.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Mazda 6 | 2012 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | Mazda | Lotus |
| Model | 6 | Exige |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 257 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 181 Nm | 236 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1425 kg | 909 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 3797 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1727 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1158 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2299 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 44 L |
