2008 Lotus Exige vs. 2006 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2008 Lotus Exige is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Mazda RX-8. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Mazda RX-8 would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Lotus Exige is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mazda RX-8 (212 HP @ 7500 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 2008 Lotus Exige. (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2008 Lotus Exige.
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, 2006 Mazda RX-8 (216 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Lotus Exige. (180 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 2006 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Lotus Exige. 2006 Mazda RX-8 has automatic transmission and 2008 Lotus Exige has manual transmission. 2008 Lotus Exige will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Mazda RX-8 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Lotus Exige | 2006 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Lotus | Mazda |
| Model | Exige | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1311 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 212 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 7500 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 216 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 60 L |
