2007 Lotus Elise vs. 2008 Mazda CX-7
To start off, 2008 Mazda CX-7 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2007 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2007 Lotus Elise would be higher. At 2,258 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Mazda CX-7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda CX-7 (244 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 2007 Lotus Elise. (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda CX-7 should accelerate faster than 2007 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mazda CX-7 weights approximately 241 kg more than 2007 Lotus Elise. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2008 Mazda CX-7, 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, 2008 Mazda CX-7 (350 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 170 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Lotus Elise. (180 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 2008 Mazda CX-7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Lotus Elise. 2008 Mazda CX-7 has automatic transmission and 2007 Lotus Elise has manual transmission. 2007 Lotus Elise will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Mazda CX-7 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Lotus Elise | 2008 Mazda CX-7 | |
| Make | Lotus | Mazda |
| Model | Elise | CX-7 |
| Year Released | 2007 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Roadster | SUV |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 2258 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 244 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 950 kg | 1191 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1650 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.8 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 69 L |
