Be it the hatchback cars in India, luxury super cars or sports cars, everything comes to the performance at the end of the day. However, the point of the high performance of cars does not entirely depend on the performance and drivetrain only, be it for cars in India or anywhere around the world. The weight of cars has quite an impact on the overall performance of the cars. In fact, the ideal weight of a car is a crucial factor to determine the ideal success formula of such cars. For obvious reasons, a lesser weight implies better handling of cars. This means that the vehicle will obviously offer a better manoeuvring at high speeds. Here is a list of the top lightweight cars, which have made an impact in the automobile industry.
Mazda MX-5 Miata: When it comes to the lightweight cars, the 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata is an example of a compact roadster, which weighs 2200 pounds. Even after a number of upgrades and modifications, the car still weighs at a mere 2480 pounds. It generates around 167 horsepower from its 2-litre four cylinder motor. The torque output of the car is 140 pound-feet of torque.
Lotus Elise: The 2011 Lotus Elise has taken the formula of roadsters to the ultimate best at an amazing kerb weight of 2010 pounds only. This car is among the lightest sports cars in the history. The model runs on a 1.8-litre engine, four-cylinder base mill, which is good enough to produce 190 horsepower and 133 pound-feet of torque.
Honda CR-Z: Hatchback cars in India might have to go for a run for their money if the 2011 Honda CR-Z is launched in the country. The hatch weighs a mere 3164 pounds – lighter than most other battery-powered competitors. The 1.5-litre, four-cylinder mill revs up 122 hp of power and 128 pound-feet of torque. View more honda cars.
Tesla Roadster: Tesla Roadster might seem to be a beast of a machine when it came to looks and performance; however, the car weighs 3273 pounds only. Interestingly, the most of the car’s weight is contributed by the battery. The power output of the car is 288 hp with a torque output is 273 pound-feet.
Mazda RX-8: The 2011 Mazda RX-8 is another compact coupe, which has made headlines because of its lightweight nature. The classic coupe, which weighs 3064 pounds only, runs on a 1.3-litre mill, which generates 232 hp power and 152 pound-feet torque.
Ariel Atom: Another car, which has made the headlines for its lightweight nature is the 2011 Ariel Atom, which somewhat resembles F1 cars. The car weighs only 1350 pounds and is one of the most respected cars on the track.
Porsche Cayman: Porsche Cayman might be known to the world as a supreme two-seater coupe with super looks and performance. However, what lies beyond is the lightweight factor. The car weighs only 2932 pounds and has gone a long way to prove the car’s mettle on the track. View more porsche cars.
Nissan 370Z: The Nissan 370Z has a kerb weight of only 3232 pounds and is among the lightweight cars in the history of automobiles. It is powered by a 3.7-litre V-6 engine, which generates 332 hp power and 270 pound-feet of torque. View more nissan cars.
Twizy: Apart from the regular car variants, some special cars have grabbed headlines when it comes to the lightweight aspect. The cute-looking Twizy weighs as astonishing 474 kg only, breaking all records. The car is capable of producing 17 PS of power and is powered by an electric motor. View more renault cars.
Caterham Superlight R400: Caterham Superlight R400 is another model is among the lightest models, which has a kerb weight of 500 kg. The 400 in its name represents its power to weight ratio, which is 400 PS per tonne. Keeping in mind the fact that Lamborghini Aventador has a power to weight ratio of 436 PS per tonne, this car is quite impressive with a 2.0-litre mill.
