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 1,840 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Mazda 323 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Lotus Exige (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1989 Mazda 323. (140 HP @ 6500 RPM). 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 171 kg more than 2005 Lotus Exige.
Because 2005 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 2005 Lotus Exige. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Mazda 323, 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, 2005 Lotus Exige (174 Nm @ 6800 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Mazda 323. (164 Nm @ 4700 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 | 1840 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 164 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.1 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 875 kg | 1046 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 50 L |
