2008 Lotus Exige vs. 2011 Mazda 3
To start off, 2011 Mazda 3 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Lotus Exige. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Lotus Exige would be higher. At 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Lotus Exige (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 2011 Mazda 3. (167 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 2011 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mazda 3 weights approximately 467 kg more than 2008 Lotus Exige.
Because 2008 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 2008 Lotus Exige. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 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, 2011 Mazda 3 (228 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Lotus Exige. (180 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 2011 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Lotus Exige. 2011 Mazda 3 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. 2011 Mazda 3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Lotus Exige | 2011 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Lotus | Mazda |
| Model | Exige | 3 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 916 kg | 1383 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 4506 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2639 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 60 L |
