1968 Lotus Elan vs. 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,596 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Lotus Elan (116 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (104 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1968 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 266 kg more than 1968 Lotus Elan.
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, 1968 Lotus Elan (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (134 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1968 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Lotus Elan | 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Lotus | Mazda |
| Model | Elan | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1968 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 134 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 850 kg | 1116 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 50 L |
