2009 Lotus Elise vs. 2012 Mazda 3
To start off, 2012 Mazda 3 is newer by 3 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 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Lotus Elise (186 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 2012 Mazda 3. (167 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2012 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mazda 3 weights approximately 598 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, 2012 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, 2012 Mazda 3 (228 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 95 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Lotus Elise. (133 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 2012 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 | 2012 Mazda 3 | |
Make | Lotus | Mazda |
Model | Elise | 3 |
Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
Body Type | Roadster | 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 | 186 HP | 167 HP |
Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 133 Nm | 228 Nm |
Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 785 kg | 1383 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 4506 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1755 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1471 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2639 mm |
Fuel Consumption Highway | 8.9 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
Fuel Consumption City | 11.4 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 60 L |