2009 Lotus Elise vs. 2009 Mazda 3
To start off, both 2009 Lotus Elise and 2009 Mazda 3 were released in the same year (2009). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 1,998 cc, 2009 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Lotus Elise (218 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 73 more horse power than 2009 Mazda 3. (145 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2009 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mazda 3 weights approximately 604 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, 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, 2009 Lotus Elise (212 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda 3. (181 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2009 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Lotus Elise | 2009 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Lotus | Mazda |
| Model | Elise | 3 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1998 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 218 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 212 Nm | 181 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 950 kg | 1554 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.8 L/100km | 10.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 55 L |
