1990 Lotus Elan vs. 1995 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 1995 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 1995 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Lotus Elan (163 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 1995 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (89 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1995 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Lotus Elan weights approximately 54 kg more than 1995 Mazda MX-5 Miata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1995 Mazda MX-5 Miata is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1995 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 Lotus Elan, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1990 Lotus Elan (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 75 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (129 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1990 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
1990 Lotus Elan | 1995 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
Make | Lotus | Mazda |
Model | Elan | MX-5 Miata |
Year Released | 1990 | 1995 |
Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1598 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 163 HP | 89 HP |
Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 204 Nm | 129 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 966 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 3960 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1680 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1240 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2270 mm |