2005 Lotus Exige vs. 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Lotus Exige. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Lotus Exige would be higher. At 1,999 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Lotus Exige (243 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 84 more horse power than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (159 HP @ 6700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 225 kg more than 2005 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, 2005 Lotus Exige (236 Nm @ 7000 RPM) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2005 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Lotus Exige | 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Lotus | Mazda |
| Model | Exige | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 243 HP | 159 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 236 Nm | 188 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 7000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Top Speed | 249 km/hour | 210 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 930 kg | 1155 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 50 L |
