2006 Lotus Elise vs. 2009 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2009 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 3 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 1,803 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda RX-8 (228 HP @ 8200 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 2006 Lotus Elise. (190 HP @ 7800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2006 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 529 kg more than 2006 Lotus Elise. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2009 Mazda RX-8 (211 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Lotus Elise. (187 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 2009 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Lotus Elise | 2009 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Lotus | Mazda |
| Model | Elise | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1803 cc | 1306 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 8200 RPM |
| Torque | 187 Nm | 211 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 5500 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 | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 896 kg | 1425 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.4 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 61 L |
