2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2011 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2011 Lotus Exige is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Lotus Exige (240 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (166 HP @ 6700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 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 249 kg more than 2011 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, 2011 Lotus Exige (230 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2011 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2011 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | Mazda | Lotus |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Exige |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 166 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | 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 | 1191 kg | 942 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 3797 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1727 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1158 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2299 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 8.7 L/100km | 9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 44 L |
