2007 Lotus Elise vs. 2006 Mazda 3
To start off, 2007 Lotus Elise is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Mazda 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Mazda 3 would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Lotus Elise (190 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 85 more horse power than 2006 Mazda 3. (105 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2006 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mazda 3 weights approximately 289 kg more than 2007 Lotus Elise.
Because 2007 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 2007 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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 Lotus Elise (187 Nm @ 6800 RPM) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda 3. (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2007 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Lotus Elise | 2006 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Lotus | Mazda |
| Model | Elise | 3 |
| Year Released | 2007 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 105 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 187 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 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 | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 896 kg | 1185 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.1 L/100km | 7.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 55 L |
