1996 Lotus Elan vs. 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,840 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Lotus Elan (163 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (138 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 5 kg more than 1996 Lotus Elan.
Because 1999 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 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 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, 1996 Lotus Elan (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (162 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1996 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Lotus Elan | 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Lotus | Mazda |
| Model | Elan | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1840 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 204 Nm | 162 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4500 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 | 1025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2270 mm |
