1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2012 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2012 Lotus Exige is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 1,800 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Lotus Exige is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Lotus Exige (240 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 128 more horse power than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (112 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Lotus Exige 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 83 kg more than 2012 Lotus Exige.
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, 2012 Lotus Exige (230 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 106 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2012 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2012 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | Mazda | Lotus |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Exige |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 112 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1025 kg | 942 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 3797 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1727 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1158 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2299 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 44 L |
