2011 Lotus Elise vs. 2010 Mazda 3
To start off, 2011 Lotus Elise is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2010 Mazda 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2010 Mazda 3 would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2010 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Lotus Elise (217 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 2010 Mazda 3. (148 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2011 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2010 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Mazda 3 weights approximately 375 kg more than 2011 Lotus Elise.
Because 2011 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 2011 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2010 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, 2011 Lotus Elise (210 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 Mazda 3. (183 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2011 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2011 Lotus Elise | 2010 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Lotus | Mazda |
| Model | Elise | 3 |
| Year Released | 2011 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1800 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 217 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 183 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | 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 | 926 kg | 1301 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3785 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1118 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2299 mm | 2639 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9 L/100km | 7.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.8 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 44 L | 55 L |
