2003 Lotus Exige vs. 2005 Mazda 6
To start off, 2005 Mazda 6 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Lotus Exige. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Lotus Exige would be higher. At 1,798 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Mazda 6 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Lotus Exige (175 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 2005 Mazda 6. (119 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 2005 Mazda 6. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mazda 6 weights approximately 640 kg more than 2003 Lotus Exige.
Because 2003 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 2003 Lotus Exige. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 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, both vehicles can yield 168 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Lotus Exige | 2005 Mazda 6 | |
| Make | Lotus | Mazda |
| Model | Exige | 6 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 119 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| 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 | 1420 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 36 L | 64 L |
