2009 Lotus Elise vs. 2011 Mazda 3
To start off, 2011 Mazda 3 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Lotus Elise would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Lotus Elise (218 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 2011 Mazda 3. (148 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2011 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mazda 3 weights approximately 347 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, 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, 2009 Lotus Elise (212 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Mazda 3. (183 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2009 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
2009 Lotus Elise | 2011 Mazda 3 | |
Make | Lotus | Mazda |
Model | Elise | 3 |
Year Released | 2009 | 2011 |
Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
Engine Position | Middle | Front |
Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2000 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 218 HP | 148 HP |
Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
Torque | 212 Nm | 183 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
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 | 1297 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4590 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1755 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1471 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2639 mm |
Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.1 L/100km | 7.1 L/100km |
Fuel Consumption City | 11.8 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 55 L |