2009 Lotus Elise vs. 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2009 Lotus Elise is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 1,839 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Lotus Elise (218 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (138 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 75 kg more than 2009 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, 2009 Lotus Elise (212 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (162 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2009 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
2009 Lotus Elise | 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
Make | Lotus | Mazda |
Model | Elise | MX-5 Miata |
Year Released | 2009 | 1998 |
Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
Engine Position | Middle | Front |
Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1839 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 218 HP | 138 HP |
Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
Torque | 212 Nm | 162 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
Fuel Type | Diesel | 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 | 1025 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 3960 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1680 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1240 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2270 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 50 L |