2005 Lotus Elise vs. 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2005 Lotus Elise is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Lotus Elise (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (112 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 175 kg more than 2005 Lotus Elise.
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, 2005 Lotus Elise (186 Nm @ 6800 RPM) has 62 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2005 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Lotus Elise | 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Lotus | Mazda |
| Model | Elise | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 112 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 186 Nm | 124 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | 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 | 850 kg | 1025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2270 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 50 L |
