2006 Lotus Elise vs. 2008 Mazda 3
To start off, 2008 Mazda 3 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Lotus Elise would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mazda 3 weights approximately 394 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, 2008 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 (168 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 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 2008 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Lotus Elise | 2008 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Lotus | Mazda |
| Model | Elise | 3 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1598 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 0 HP |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 241 km/hour | 183 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.2 seconds | 11.6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 786 kg | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.8 L/100km | 8.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 55 L |
