2000 Lotus Exige vs. 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2000 Lotus Exige is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 1,840 cc (4 cylinders), 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Lotus Exige (177 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (129 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 204 kg more than 2000 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, 2000 Lotus Exige (180 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (152 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2000 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Lotus Exige | 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Lotus | Mazda |
| Model | Exige | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1994 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1840 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 177 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 152 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| 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 | 786 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1190 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2270 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 36 L | 48 L |
