2007 Lotus Elise vs. 2009 Mazda 3
To start off, 2009 Mazda 3 is newer by 2 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 (120 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 2009 Mazda 3. (104 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2009 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mazda 3 weights approximately 247 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, 2009 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 (169 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 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 2009 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Lotus Elise | 2009 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Lotus | Mazda |
| Model | Elise | 3 |
| Year Released | 2007 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1598 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 169 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Top Speed | 211 km/hour | 183 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.3 seconds | 12.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 881 kg | 1128 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1700 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.8 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 32 L | 55 L |
