2009 Lotus Exige vs. 2013 Mazda SPEED3
To start off, 2013 Mazda SPEED3 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 Lotus Exige. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Lotus Exige would be higher. At 2,261 cc (4 cylinders), 2013 Mazda SPEED3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Mazda SPEED3 (259 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 2009 Lotus Exige. (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Mazda SPEED3 should accelerate faster than 2009 Lotus Exige. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Mazda SPEED3 weights approximately 545 kg more than 2009 Lotus Exige. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 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 2009 Lotus Exige. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 Mazda SPEED3, 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, 2013 Mazda SPEED3 (380 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 200 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Lotus Exige. (180 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 2013 Mazda SPEED3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Lotus Exige.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Lotus Exige | 2013 Mazda SPEED3 | |
| Make | Lotus | Mazda |
| Model | Exige | SPEED3 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2261 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 259 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.1 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| 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 | 916 kg | 1461 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1730 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 60 L |
