1980 Lotus Esprit vs. 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, both vehicles can yield 158 horse power. So under normal driving conditions, the acceleration of both vehicles should be relatively similar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 72 kg more than 1980 Lotus Esprit.
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, 1980 Lotus Esprit (222 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1980 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
1980 Lotus Esprit | 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
Make | Lotus | Mazda |
Model | Esprit | MX-5 Miata |
Year Released | 1980 | 2009 |
Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
Engine Position | Middle | Front |
Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1998 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 158 HP | 158 HP |
Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6700 RPM |
Torque | 222 Nm | 188 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 87.5 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 83.1 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 | 1120 kg | 1192 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4000 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1730 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1260 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2340 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 50 L |