2005 Lotus Elise vs. 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Lotus Elise would be higher. At 1,798 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Lotus Elise (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 305 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 19 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (167 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2005 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Lotus Elise | 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Lotus | Mazda |
| Model | Elise | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 124 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 186 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 241 km/hour | 196 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.2 seconds | 9.7 seconds |
| 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 | 1155 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.8 L/100km | 7.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 50 L |
