Japan vs United Kingdom — 1989 vs 2015
| MX-5 Miata NA 1.6 | Elise Sport 190 Sport 190 | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 116 hp | 189 hp |
| Torque | 100 lb-ft | 133 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 1,597 cc | 1,798 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 8.6 sec | 4.2 sec |
| Top Speed | 122 mph | 140 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 16.2 sec | 12.9 sec |
| Weight | 2,116 lbs | 1,980 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,265 mm | 2,301 mm |
| Length | 3,970 mm | 3,785 mm |
| Units Produced | 431,506 | 850 |
| Original MSRP | $13,800 | $48,500 |
| Value (Excellent) | $25,000 | $58,000 |
| Collectibility | 7/10 | 10/10 |
| Rarity | 3/10 | 10/10 |
Numbers favor the 2015 Lotus Elise Sport 190 Sport 190 with more power, quicker acceleration, higher top speed. The 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata NA 1.6 offers better value, and has its own devoted following. For those who let their heart decide, either car delivers a rewarding ownership experience.
The rivalry between Japan and United Kingdom automotive industries has produced legendary matchups, and the 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata NA 1.6 versus 2015 Lotus Elise Sport 190 Sport 190 is among the most fascinating. These two cars represent the best of their national engineering schools. The 2015 Lotus Elise Sport 190 Sport 190 holds a clear advantage in raw power with 189 hp compared to 116 hp, a 73-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Mazda MX-5 Miata uses a Inline-4 DOHC B6ZE displacing 1,597 cc, while the Lotus Elise Sport 190 relies on a 1.8L Supercharged I4 with 1,798 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 2015 Lotus Elise Sport 190 Sport 190 edges ahead at 4.2 seconds versus 8.6 seconds. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 850 units built, the 2015 Lotus Elise Sport 190 Sport 190 is considerably scarcer than the Mazda MX-5 Miata's 431,506 examples. On the collector market, the 2015 Lotus Elise Sport 190 Sport 190 commands a significant premium over the 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata NA 1.6, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity. From a collectibility standpoint, the 2015 Lotus Elise Sport 190 Sport 190 rates higher among enthusiasts and auction houses.