2007 Lotus Exige vs. 1998 Mazda 323
To start off, 2007 Lotus Exige is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mazda 323. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mazda 323 would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Lotus Exige is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Lotus Exige (189 HP) has 115 more horse power than 1998 Mazda 323. (74 HP). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1998 Mazda 323. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mazda 323 weights approximately 272 kg more than 2007 Lotus Exige.
Because 2007 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 2007 Lotus Exige. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Mazda 323, 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 Exige (181 Nm @ 6800 RPM) has 72 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mazda 323. (109 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2007 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mazda 323.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Lotus Exige | 1998 Mazda 323 | |
| Make | Lotus | Mazda |
| Model | Exige | 323 |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1323 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 74 HP |
| Torque | 181 Nm | 109 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 71 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 875 kg | 1147 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1730 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2850 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.8 L/100km | 8.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 55 L |
