2006 Lotus Exige vs. 2003 Mazda Roadster
To start off, 2006 Lotus Exige is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Mazda Roadster. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mazda Roadster would be higher. At 1,839 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Mazda Roadster is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Lotus Exige (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 2003 Mazda Roadster. (157 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 2003 Mazda Roadster. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mazda Roadster weights approximately 144 kg more than 2006 Lotus Exige.
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, 2006 Lotus Exige (172 Nm @ 6750 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mazda Roadster. (170 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2006 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mazda Roadster.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Lotus Exige | 2003 Mazda Roadster | |
| Make | Lotus | Mazda |
| Model | Exige | Roadster |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 1839 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 157 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 172 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6750 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 916 kg | 1060 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2370 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 44 L | 48 L |
