2006 Lotus Elise vs. 2006 Mazda 3
To start off, both 2006 Lotus Elise and 2006 Mazda 3 were released in the same year (2006). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 1,803 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Lotus Elise (190 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 85 more horse power than 2006 Mazda 3. (105 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2006 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mazda 3 weights approximately 224 kg more than 2006 Lotus Elise.
Because 2006 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 2006 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Mazda 3, 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, 2006 Lotus Elise (187 Nm @ 6800 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda 3. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Lotus Elise | 2006 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Lotus | Mazda |
| Model | Elise | 3 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1803 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 105 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 187 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.1 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 896 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.4 L/100km | 8.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 55 L |
