2007 Lotus Elise vs. 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2007 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2007 Lotus Elise would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Lotus Elise (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (166 HP @ 6700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Lotus Elise 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 241 kg more than 2007 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, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Lotus Elise. (180 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Lotus Elise | 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Lotus | Mazda |
| Model | Elise | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2007 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 166 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 10.8:1 |
| 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 | 950 kg | 1191 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.8 L/100km | 8.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 48 L |
