1958 Lotus Elite vs. 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 49 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Lotus Elite. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Lotus Elite would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata (159 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 88 more horse power than 1958 Lotus Elite. (71 HP @ 6100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1958 Lotus Elite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 515 kg more than 1958 Lotus Elite. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 83 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Lotus Elite. (105 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Lotus Elite.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Lotus Elite | 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Lotus | Mazda |
| Model | Elite | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1958 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1216 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 71 HP | 159 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 105 Nm | 188 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76.2 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66.7 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 580 kg | 1095 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3770 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1250 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 29 L | 50 L |
