2006 Lotus Exige vs. 2007 Mazda 3
To start off, 2007 Mazda 3 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Lotus Exige. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Lotus Exige would be higher. At 1,999 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Lotus Exige (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 2007 Mazda 3. (149 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 2007 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Mazda 3 weights approximately 264 kg more than 2006 Lotus Exige.
Because 2006 Lotus Exige 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 Exige. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 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, 2007 Mazda 3 (183 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Lotus Exige. (172 Nm @ 6750 RPM). This means 2007 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Lotus Exige.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Lotus Exige | 2007 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Lotus | Mazda |
| Model | Exige | 3 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 172 Nm | 183 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6750 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 916 kg | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 4510 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 | 7.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 44 L | 55 L |
