2005 Lotus Exige vs. 1989 Mazda 323
To start off, 2005 Lotus Exige is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Mazda 323. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Mazda 323 would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Lotus Exige is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Lotus Exige (243 HP) has 169 more horse power than 1989 Mazda 323. (74 HP). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1989 Mazda 323. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Mazda 323 weights approximately 55 kg more than 2005 Lotus Exige.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2005 Lotus Exige (236 Nm @ 7000 RPM) has 132 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Mazda 323. (104 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2005 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Mazda 323.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Lotus Exige | 1989 Mazda 323 | |
| Make | Lotus | Mazda |
| Model | Exige | 323 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1324 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 243 HP | 74 HP |
| Torque | 236 Nm | 104 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 7000 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 71 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 930 kg | 985 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 50 L |
