2006 Lotus Elise vs. 2010 Mazda 6
To start off, 2010 Mazda 6 is newer by 4 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 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2010 Mazda 6 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Lotus Elise (190 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 2010 Mazda 6. (170 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2010 Mazda 6. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Mazda 6 weights approximately 528 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, 2010 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, 2010 Mazda 6 (226 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Lotus Elise. (180 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 2010 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 | 2010 Mazda 6 | |
| Make | Lotus | Mazda |
| Model | Elise | 6 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 226 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 950 kg | 1478 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1839 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2789 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 70 L |
