2005 Lotus Exige vs. 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 7 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 2,998 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Lotus Exige is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Lotus Exige (396 HP @ 7750 RPM) has 229 more horse power than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (167 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 275 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 (400 Nm @ 6500 RPM) has 210 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2005 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata has automatic transmission and 2005 Lotus Exige has manual transmission. 2005 Lotus Exige will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Lotus Exige | 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Lotus | Mazda |
| Model | Exige | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2998 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 396 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7750 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 850 kg | 1125 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4150 mm | 3995 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1245 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2329 mm |
