1974 Lotus Elite vs. 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Lotus Elite. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Lotus Elite would be higher. At 1,973 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Lotus Elite is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Lotus Elite (142 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (129 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 Lotus Elite should accelerate faster than 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Lotus Elite weights approximately 70 kg more than 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 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, 1974 Lotus Elite (177 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (152 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1974 Lotus Elite will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
1974 Lotus Elite | 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
Make | Lotus | Mazda |
Model | Elite | MX-5 Miata |
Year Released | 1974 | 1994 |
Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1973 cc | 1840 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 142 HP | 129 HP |
Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
Torque | 177 Nm | 152 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 95.2 mm | 83 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 69.3 mm | 85 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 9.0:1 |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1060 kg | 990 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 3960 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1680 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1240 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2270 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 48 L |