2012 Lotus Exige vs. 2011 Mazda 3
To start off, 2012 Lotus Exige is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2011 Mazda 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2011 Mazda 3 would be higher. At 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Lotus Exige (240 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 73 more horse power than 2011 Mazda 3. (167 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 2011 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mazda 3 weights approximately 441 kg more than 2012 Lotus Exige.
Because 2012 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 2012 Lotus Exige. 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, 2012 Lotus Exige (230 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Mazda 3. (228 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Mazda 3. 2011 Mazda 3 has automatic transmission and 2012 Lotus Exige has manual transmission. 2012 Lotus Exige will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Mazda 3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Lotus Exige | 2011 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Lotus | Mazda |
| Model | Exige | 3 |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1800 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 942 kg | 1383 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3797 mm | 4506 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1727 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1158 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2299 mm | 2639 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.8 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 44 L | 60 L |
