Lotus Elise (1997 – 2001) vs Mazda MX-5 / Miata (1998 – 2005): specs compared
The Lotus Elise is the more powerful of the two, with up to 179 hp against 146 hp. It is quicker, reaching 100 km/h in 4.6 s against 8.0 s. It has the higher top speed: 213 km/h against 205 km/h. It uses less fuel, from 7.1 L/100 km against 8.1 L/100 km. It is the lighter car, from 658 kg against 990 kg. At 3,978 mm, the Mazda MX-5 / Miata is 247 mm longer than the Lotus Elise.
| Specification |
Lotus
Elise
1997 – 2001
|
Mazda
MX-5 / Miata
1998 – 2005
|
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Origin | United Kingdom | Japan |
| Documented years | 1997 – 2001 | 1998 – 2005 |
| Body style | — | — |
| Variants | 3 | 3 |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Drive | RWD | RWD |
| Gearbox | Manual | Manual |
| Performance | ||
| Power | 120 – 179 hp | 110 – 145 hp |
| Torque | 165 – 174 Nm | 134 – 168 Nm |
| 0–100 km/h | 4.6 – 5.9 s | 8.0 – 9.7 s |
| Top speed | 202 – 213 km/h | 191 – 205 km/h |
| Economy | ||
| Fuel economy | 7.1 – 7.3 L/100 km | 8.1 – 8.7 L/100 km |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 3,731 mm | 3,978 mm |
| Width | 1,699 mm | 1,679 mm |
| Height | 1,199 mm | 1,219 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,301 mm | 2,260 mm |
| Curb weight | 658 – 714 kg | 990 – 1,040 kg |
Ranges cover all variants of each car. The highlight marks the best version per row.