2009 Lotus Elise vs. 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2009 Lotus Elise is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 1,999 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata (170 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 2009 Lotus Elise. (120 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 2009 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 528 kg more than 2009 Lotus Elise. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Lotus Elise. (168 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Lotus Elise | 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Lotus | Mazda |
| Model | Elise | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Roadster | 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 | 120 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 882 kg | 1410 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 | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 32 L | 48 L |
