2007 Lotus Elise vs. 2008 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2008 Mazda RX-8 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 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 1 more horse power than 2008 Mazda RX-8. (189 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2008 Mazda RX-8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 526 kg more than 2007 Lotus Elise.
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, 2008 Mazda RX-8 (220 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Lotus Elise. (187 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 2008 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Lotus Elise | 2008 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Lotus | Mazda |
| Model | Elise | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 2007 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1308 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 187 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 5000 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 | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 896 kg | 1422 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.1 L/100km | 10.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 61 L |
