2002 Lotus Esprit vs. 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 3,504 cc (8 cylinders), 2002 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Lotus Esprit (350 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 208 more horse power than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (142 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 331 kg more than 2002 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, 2002 Lotus Esprit (400 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 232 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (168 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2002 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Lotus Esprit | 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Lotus | Mazda |
| Model | Esprit | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3504 cc | 1839 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 350 HP | 142 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 85 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1340 kg | 1671 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2270 mm |
