2006 Lotus Elise vs. 2008 Mazda 6
To start off, 2008 Mazda 6 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 2,488 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Mazda 6 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Lotus Elise (190 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 2008 Mazda 6. (168 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2008 Mazda 6. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mazda 6 weights approximately 499 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 6, 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, 2008 Mazda 6 (226 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 39 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Lotus Elise. (187 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 2008 Mazda 6 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Lotus Elise | 2008 Mazda 6 | |
| Make | Lotus | Mazda |
| Model | Elise | 6 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1803 cc | 2488 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 187 Nm | 226 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.1 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 100 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 9.7:1 |
| 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 | 1395 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.4 L/100km | 8.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 64 L |
