1957 Lotus Seven vs. 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 50 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Lotus Seven. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Lotus Seven would be higher. At 1,798 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1957 Lotus Seven (126 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1957 Lotus Seven should accelerate faster than 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 408 kg more than 1957 Lotus Seven.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata (167 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Lotus Seven. (153 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Lotus Seven.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Lotus Seven | 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Lotus | Mazda |
| Model | Seven | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1957 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 1798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 126 HP | 124 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 153 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 161 km/hour | 196 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 750 kg | 1158 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3370 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 950 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2190 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 29 L | 50 L |
