1970 Lotus Seven vs. 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Lotus Seven. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Lotus Seven would be higher. At 1,798 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata (124 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 1970 Lotus Seven. (85 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1970 Lotus Seven. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 602 kg more than 1970 Lotus Seven. 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, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata (167 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Lotus Seven. (125 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Lotus Seven.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Lotus Seven | 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Lotus | Mazda |
| Model | Seven | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1970 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1340 cc | 1798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 124 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.8:1 |
| 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 | 590 kg | 1192 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3710 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 50 L |
