1985 Lotus Esprit vs. 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Lotus Esprit (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (155 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 Lotus Esprit 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 603 kg more than 1985 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, 1985 Lotus Esprit (217 Nm) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (171 Nm). This means 1985 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Lotus Esprit | 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Lotus | Mazda |
| Model | Esprit | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1835 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 155 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 171 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 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 | 1068 kg | 1671 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2270 mm |
