2008 Lotus Elise vs. 2011 Mazda CX-7
To start off, 2011 Mazda CX-7 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Lotus Elise would be higher. At 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Mazda CX-7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mazda CX-7 (161 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 2008 Lotus Elise. (120 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mazda CX-7 should accelerate faster than 2008 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mazda CX-7 weights approximately 801 kg more than 2008 Lotus Elise. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 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 2008 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 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, 2011 Mazda CX-7 (218 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Lotus Elise. (168 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2011 Mazda CX-7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Lotus Elise. 2011 Mazda CX-7 has automatic transmission and 2008 Lotus Elise has manual transmission. 2008 Lotus Elise will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Mazda CX-7 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2008 Lotus Elise | 2011 Mazda CX-7 | |
Make | Lotus | Mazda |
Model | Elise | CX-7 |
Year Released | 2008 | 2011 |
Body Type | Roadster | SUV |
Engine Position | Middle | Front |
Engine Size | 1795 cc | 2500 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 120 HP | 161 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 168 Nm | 218 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
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 | 785 kg | 1586 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4681 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1872 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1646 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2751 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 62 L |