2006 Lotus Elise vs. 2003 Mazda Roadster
To start off, 2006 Lotus Elise is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Mazda Roadster. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mazda Roadster would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Lotus Elise (190 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 72 more horse power than 2003 Mazda Roadster. (118 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2003 Mazda Roadster. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mazda Roadster weights approximately 80 kg more than 2006 Lotus Elise.
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, 2006 Lotus Elise (180 Nm @ 6800 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mazda Roadster. (140 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2006 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mazda Roadster. 2003 Mazda Roadster has automatic transmission and 2006 Lotus Elise has manual transmission. 2006 Lotus Elise will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Mazda Roadster will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Lotus Elise | 2003 Mazda Roadster | |
| Make | Lotus | Mazda |
| Model | Elise | Roadster |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 950 kg | 1030 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2270 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 48 L |
