1963 Lotus Elan vs. 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 39 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 Lotus Elan would be higher. Both 1963 Lotus Elan and 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata are equipped with a 1,498 cc engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata (112 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1963 Lotus Elan. (100 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1963 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 431 kg more than 1963 Lotus Elan. 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, 1963 Lotus Elan (138 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1963 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 Lotus Elan | 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Lotus | Mazda |
| Model | Elan | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1963 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 1498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 112 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 138 Nm | 124 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| 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 | 594 kg | 1025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2270 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 50 L |
