2005 Lotus Elise vs. 2008 Mazda CX-9
To start off, 2008 Mazda CX-9 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Lotus Elise would be higher. At 3,726 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Mazda CX-9 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda CX-9 (271 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 2005 Lotus Elise. (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda CX-9 should accelerate faster than 2005 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mazda CX-9 weights approximately 479 kg more than 2005 Lotus Elise. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 Lotus Elise 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 2005 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Mazda CX-9, 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, 2008 Mazda CX-9 (370 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 184 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Lotus Elise. (186 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 2008 Mazda CX-9 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Lotus Elise. 2008 Mazda CX-9 has automatic transmission and 2005 Lotus Elise has manual transmission. 2005 Lotus Elise will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Mazda CX-9 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Lotus Elise | 2008 Mazda CX-9 | |
| Make | Lotus | Mazda |
| Model | Elise | CX-9 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Roadster | SUV |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 3726 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 271 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 186 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 850 kg | 1329 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 5080 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1940 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2880 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.8 L/100km | 8.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 76 L |
