2011 Lotus Elise vs. 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2011 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2011 Lotus Elise would be higher. At 1,800 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Lotus Elise (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2011 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
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 Elise (180 Nm @ 6800 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (167 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2011 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
2011 Lotus Elise | 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
Make | Lotus | Mazda |
Model | Elise | MX-5 Miata |
Year Released | 2011 | 2012 |
Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
Engine Position | Middle | Front |
Engine Size | 1800 cc | 1798 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 189 HP | 124 HP |
Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
Torque | 180 Nm | 167 Nm |
Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Length | 3785 mm | 3995 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1720 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1118 mm | 1245 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2299 mm | 2329 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 44 L | 48 L |