2009 Lotus Elise vs. 2006 Mazda 3
To start off, 2009 Lotus Elise is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Mazda 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Mazda 3 would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Lotus Elise (186 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 81 more horse power than 2006 Mazda 3. (105 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2006 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mazda 3 weights approximately 400 kg more than 2009 Lotus Elise.
Because 2009 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 2009 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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, 2006 Mazda 3 (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Lotus Elise. (133 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 2006 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Lotus Elise | 2006 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Lotus | Mazda |
| Model | Elise | 3 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 186 HP | 105 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 133 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 241 km/hour | 185 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.7 seconds | 11 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 785 kg | 1185 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9 L/100km | 7.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 55 L |
