1969 Lotus Elan vs. 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,799 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Lotus Elan (116 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (99 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1969 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 205 kg more than 1969 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, 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata (245 Nm) has 99 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Elan. (146 Nm). This means 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
1969 Lotus Elan | 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
Make | Lotus | Mazda |
Model | Elan | MX-5 Miata |
Year Released | 1969 | 2001 |
Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1558 cc | 1799 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 116 HP | 99 HP |
Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 146 Nm | 245 Nm |
Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 83.1 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 85.1 mm |
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 | 1055 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 3960 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1680 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1230 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2270 mm |