2007 Lotus Exige 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 Exige. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2007 Lotus Exige 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 @ 7800 RPM) has 85 more horse power than 2009 Mazda 3. (104 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 2009 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mazda 3 weights approximately 317 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, 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 Exige (181 Nm @ 6800 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda 3. (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2007 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Lotus Exige | 2009 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Lotus | Mazda |
| Model | Exige | 3 |
| Year Released | 2007 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1598 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 181 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 | 11.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 237 km/hour | 178 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.5 seconds | 12.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 875 kg | 1192 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1730 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.8 L/100km | 9.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 55 L |
