1989 Lotus Esprit vs. 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Lotus Esprit (216 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (158 HP @ 6700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 59 kg more than 1989 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, 1989 Lotus Esprit (298 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1989 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
1989 Lotus Esprit | 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
Make | Lotus | Mazda |
Model | Esprit | MX-5 Miata |
Year Released | 1989 | 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 |
Horse Power | 216 HP | 158 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6700 RPM |
Torque | 298 Nm | 188 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 87.5 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 83.1 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 10.8:1 |
Top Speed | 245 km/hour | 215 km/hour |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1148 kg | 1207 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4000 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1730 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1260 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2340 mm |