Lotus Elise vs. Mazda Miata: Which is the best $35,000 Daily Driver? (Part 1)
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 12 ม.ค. 2020
- Lotus Elise vs. Mazda Miata: Which is the best $35,000 Daily Driver? (Part 1)
Which is the best $35,000 daily driver? A used Lotus Elise or a new ND Mazda Miata? They both have their strengths and weaknesses, but which one will come out on top? This is the first in a series of comparison videos between the two cars.
In this video we compare getting in and out of the Elise, the trunk/boot space, 12V power access, removing the top, and...the cupholder situation. - ยานยนต์และพาหนะ
Thanks for watching! What questions would you like us to answer about daily driving the Miata vs. Lotus Elise?
The miata is looks pretty cool and handles. The Elise is a hybrid of super car designs on a legitimate race chassis. Your a savage if you daily the Lotus
@@robbyconnole5728 lol!
@@robbyconnole5728 I dailied a supercharged mk3 1.6 elise for years. I now own a 2019 mx5 RF. The lotus was lots of fun, but after installing a quality coilover kit (important), the mx5 is the better car for daily use, by far. I didn't mind driving the lotus every day (i put over 120k kms on it in three years), but the mx5 is just better for doing that.
@@detaart yeah man lotus is no bueno for everyday driving. I'm sure that mx5 is a slot car.
@@robbyconnole5728 Thanks for watching!
The Miata looks huge next to the Elise haha
Indeed! Lol!
Lotus comes from the factory race ready. Throw some nice coilovers on the Miata, which will lower it 2”, make it handle better. Then compare. Or, put some old man springs and shocks (what comes on Miata) on the lotus and compare them.
Things to know about Elise:
1. Getting in and out of a car and grabbing either windshield or steering wheel can damage the car.
2. Putting stuff in the boot can damage the car.
What a marvel of engineering this car is.
As a previous Lotus Exige owner I would pick the Mazda. I loved the lotus but the lack of dealer support, fragility of the car (fiberglass damage that can result in expensive front or back clamshell replacement) or windshield cracks and replacement, made owning and driving the car very stressful in the USA. So I would go with the Mazda MX5. Cheaper, dealer support and mass production makes for a more reliable and stress free ownership. Still light and fun.
Totally - those are some of the biggest challenges with using the car as a daily here in the USA - I’d say the lack of availability of essential replacement replacement parts in the USA is the biggest challenge for using the car as a daily. You almost need to hoard replacement parts in your garage in order to do it .
I wish for a car with th styling and weight of Elise and reliability of mazda
Yees.. wait I made the original comment
Imagine trading an exige let alone an Elise for a shitbox Mazda lol.
@@Blazerghostlol
You want to drink a coffee in the car?! Madness.
LOL! Madness indeed - but on cross country trips, I have done it! Thank you for watching!
Excellent review!! Thank you for the information and the laughs!😁
Thank you!!
I test drove the Miata about a year ago and have to report that the driving experience between the Elise and Miata is night and day. Miata is like driving a cloud. If you wan't a raw/visceral driving experience the Lotus is the pick. If you want something more comfy and for long distance drives the Miata is the pick.
Agreed they are quite different, but both are a ton of fun - and I agree that the ND Miata would be the sensible choice for distance drives...my problem is that I want to drive all of this country's great roads, and I'd rather drive to get to them than ship the car - so I'm stuck using mine for both purposes! :)
I did a 6 hour day followed up by a 12 hour day the next in my Elise about six weeks ago. Felt great after (I was driving). The engagement from the Lotus makes the time go by in a blink, and the stock seats, while hard, are very comfortable.
@@wonk1132 Absolutely - Even when I do long 12 hour drives, I often don't listen to anything other than the car itself and I find myself totally engaged and never bored!
@@wonk1132 as long as you have a the stock exhaust the lotus can be enjoyed on long trips. Ive done many 3-6 hr drives no problem. My wife actually says the car makes her sleepy on road trips (maybe seating position). Its a very fun car to have an adventures in, to see how far you can push it. I had a stage 2 exhaust but changed back to original.
And oddly enough the MX5 is the only other car that comes close to the fun and handling of a Lotus. Definitely not any Honda S2K being able to compare.
Years ago around 1970 I owned a Lotus Elan S2 SE. I loved the car period! It was almost never on the road, always in the shop. Today I have a 2008 Miata NC GT. Fully decked out with a 2.5 and all of the performance goodies I could find. I love the Miata. It starts and stops on a dime. It handles like a slot car, yet there is a reason why people love both of these cars. I still miss the roll of paper towels between my left knee and the door when it rained. I miss the rubber axel shaft donuts that when worn caused my Elan to lurch forward until it gained speed. I missed not knowing if it would start. I missed that 1,500 lbs. of 101bhp and people never being able to keep up with me while driving around town. I prefer my Miata in almost every way. But I sure do miss that little BRG Elan.Thank you Colin Chapman.
This was poetic! Thanks for writing this 🙂
This is an entirely invalid comparison. The Elise is utterly reliable, especially compared to a 1970 Lotus. Not even in the same universe.
I own a 2019 Miata, and it is a great daily driver. However.. a Lotus is a Lotus.
Truth!
Nobody talks about how this car is British and the British make terrible cars..the lotus is beautiful but it's no exception
@@schwinnbiking The engine of the new Lotus Elise is Japanese, as its from Toyota. As Toyota is seen as having some of the best relability in the world this is not a problem anymore. The body however is another story, as it is made of fibreglass.
The key here is daily driver. I had an 2004 S2000 and 2005 Lotus Elise at the same time for 5 years. The S2000, much like the Miata, is a fully flushed out fun car that delivers 85% of the fun of the Elise, but has the creature comfort items that making driving in the real world more livable...like a top that can close with a button...or AC that actually pumps out cold air...or a real stereo. I love the Elise...and still have it after 17 years, but it is not something you want to drive everyday...for those of you who say otherwise, post that video of you stuck in stop and go I95 traffic for 2 hours while you melt and keep looking at the temperature gauge waiting for your car to shut down to prevent overheating.
Most entertaining and most educative video lately :) love the side comments
Good comparison review. Your review is unique and informative.
Thank you!
Can't wait for part 2
It will happen, we're just a bit delayed due to current world events - but it will happen! Thank you for watching!
I've owned both vehicles; the NB Miata for 14 years and a 2005 Elise going now on 3 years. The Miata is certainly more practical - I can fit 2 golf bags in the trunk and take it on long trips. But I think I'll keep the Elise for a while longer - it's just too much fun to drive; nonetheless, although I do quite a bit of maintenance myself, I have to drive it to Orlando (from Tampa) for complicated repairs/maintenance - last time that was a 3-day evolution! A lack of dealer support is definitely a problem. Thus, in a few years, I will likely go back to the Miata.
Thanks so much for watching! Lack of dealer support is probably the biggest challenge to daily-ing these, although in my case, I have a local dealer but parts availability is still sometimes an issue - I am hoping this gets better in the coming years with Geely being part of the ownership, but that all remains to be seen!
Had a good laugh, thanks for the video!
Thank you!
Great sense of humour. The size comparison reminded me: I have a Lotus Europa. I once followed a P. Boxster and couldn't believe how big it seemed from the Europa cockpit perspective. JT
Thank you!
I too owned a 74 Europa special and even against the Elise it was tiny. I remember if you had your hands on the steering wheel and lifted your buckle it hit the windshield. The Elise by comparison as loads of roominess inside.
Ive been salesmen at mazda for 9 years.. I have sold more Miatas than I can think of! But never owned a Miata and have owned 2 Elise and 0 Miata’s. The Miata is a great car but the Elise is truly something special
Funny video man. I have the MX-5 and love it but you almost convinced me to swap to the Lotus with all the style points it earned! 'If you want to arrive, get the MX-5' Haha, priceless 😁
Thank you so much for watching!
Hehe the lotus might not make it
Lotus has this reputation as unreliable which it has earned over the years. I had a Europa. It’s true. However the Elise is a different game. It’s a Toyota drive train. It’s proved as reliable as any Japanese car I’ve ever owned.
Great review!! you should do more vids!!
Thank you! More are coming I promise! It's all just a bit crazy right now lol! What kind of Lotus video would you like to see with the Elise? I'll try to make it!
Miata looks like a boat compared to the Elise and the styling of the Elise is just so beautiful and unique
Totally!
You got to love the scoring methodology.
Indeed!
Whats up man, finally got the Elise in my Garage. Id love a Miata, but a Miata doesn't snap your neck when one drives by like the Lotus!
Thanks so much for watching! What year/color is your Elise?
@@AutoSugar 2005 Titanium Silver with red leather interior! :)
Excellent combo!
Bought a 2016 mx5. Loving it
Love them!
The Elise is why I bought my ND2 RF. The style between the RF and the Elise are so similar just minus the side vents. I have always loved Lotus cars and always wanted one but finding an Elise or Exige is near impossible in the U.S. and when you do their value is about the same as when they sold brand new. Such timeless cars.
I told my wife that if Lotus does come back to the states and I can get an Exige cup 430, I would trade in my MX5 quick... but given I got a 30th AE trim I dunno now haha.
OOOOOH, I LOVE that 30th anniversary orange trim - I seriously want one! It would make zero sense for me to own both cars, but I would truly love to have an ND2 RF in Orange....and yes, everything you say about Elise purchasing is true, there are only a few thousand cars in the USA, so finding one at any given time is always a struggle. I hope they are able to update the Elise/Exige and bring them back to the USA at some point, you can buy a V6 Exige for track use only, but that's not something most people would really want to deal with.
@@AutoSugar I share the dream of the Elige coming back to the US, but, alas, there's no way that's happening. Modern regulations in America pretty much preclude it (bumpers, airbags, etc).
@@wonk1132 Totally - if it's coming back it's going to have to be a next gen car on a worldwide platform...but it could still be an evolution of the Elige...we'll just have to wait and see! One of these days I may just bite the bullet and get an Exige V6 track-only car to scratch the itch!
@@AutoSugar Hey, I should tell you: your channel is one of the reasons I purchased my Elise. I appreciate your enthusiasm for such a nitch car. I love mine, warts and all.Thanks for keeping the flame alive on the pure drivers car!
@@wonk1132 Thank you Kevin, that makes me so happy to hear! That's the whole reason I started the channel - I never knew it would grow to even the size that it is now, but the fact that it has helped get some people into this car just makes me incredibly happy - and it means a ton when folks reach out and let me know that this channel had a role to play in that. I just think these cars are so much fun, so special, and offer such a great opportunity to those of us who want a special driving experience that it's important to share them. Happy Lotusing!
As an owner of a '16 MX5 with 113k miles on it this is a great video. I debated on the Elise but as someone else stated they don't come cheap here in the US. Plus my work commute daily is 68 miles (alot of miles for a semi-exotic). Other than regular maintenance a couple of a/c line gaskets failing, it's been a great car. I work for a GM dealer and I'm known for my well, let's just call it "Spirited" driving style. I belive it still rev's out just like it did when I bought it with 23k miles on it. Still love the Lotus and would like to own one some day. However, I still love my MX5.
P.S. To find the 12V on the Miata use a miner's helmet or I guess one of those headband flashlights will do.
Great video. I really appreciate the unbiased ratings for each category. Lol
Having owned 3 Miata and an Elise I can say they are both great cars, but drive very differently.
Watertown?
Are you on Lotus Talk?
Thank you! I am on Lotustalk - but not all that often. Yes indeed that was filmed in Watertown, MA!
Dear, do you have reviews o old 90s Mercedes S class or any Lincoln car like Towncar or continental from any era ? But specially since the 80s to the last days
I do not unfortunately!
Yeah, sure, totally objective 😂😂😂🤣
Best Elise video for years though 👍
I have an original Lotus cupholder on mine. It’s crap 😂
Thank you!
There is a cup holder behind the handbrake.
Not as fancy, but for my Elise, I bought an inexpensive folding (marine) cupholder, drilled a hole in the back of it, and used the screw from the center console cover to attach it along the inside of the passenger footwell. Holds my travel thermos on my commute and folds out of the way when not needed.
Very clever!
I also used marine (aka RV) foldable cupholders too, but velcro'd to my doors under the electric window button. However, when in use, access to the door latch is close to impossible, so I use the passenger one when getting out.
See open/closed photos: brytee.com/i?p=lotuscupholder
Do people really care about what it's like getting in and out of their car? So long as I can get in and out somehow, I don't care. How it drives matters 10,000 times more.
Indeed, some people do care-believe it or not-but not everyone is able to enjoy these cars because of physical limitations.
As you get older, you’ll probably care more lol
i can see this page growing rapidly little more sperience editing and talking on camra and you will go places man good info hit important sections
Thank you!
I’ve owned three lotus’ one Europa and two Elise. I’ve also owned four Miata’s two NA, one NB and currently an ND. Concerning trunk space I must say the lotus wins. I’ve put a complete set of golf clubs laid flat with the exception of the driver which goes in the front on the side of the passenger seat and a collapsible bag along with two weeks of clothes. I’ve done this twice in a trip from Southern California to Sandpoint idaho and Pembroke Virginia. I also made a trip to England and spent two weeks. You can stuff an amazing amount of stuff in all the space of the trunk clamshell.
The ND miata on the other hand I can’t get anything bigger than a six iron in the trunk as the opening is too small.
The only other thing I’ve noticed since I’m back in a Miata rather than a lotus is there is absolutely no comparison in the handling and feel of driving them. The lotus wins hands down. Having said that I’m back in a Miata for a few reasons. The heater and air con are worthless in the lotus with the top down and that air con even with the top up. A Miata has always been a car that words well top up or down, winter or summer. I had no problem getting in and out of the lotus but my wife did as we aged. I am currently sixty seven and would still own the lotus had it not been for retirement. Both cars are wonderful things and the Miata does everything well but the lotus is shear pleasure to drive. I’ve never experienced anything like it. If you think you might want one I’d encourage you to buy one. As a drivers car it cannot be beat.
Lastly after having owned the lotus, the Miata really rolls and it feels at first that only the back is rolling. It’s a bit disconcerting until you get used to it. Whichever you buy you’ll enjoy it but treat yourself to a lotus at least once in life.
I have a Miata sports black NC and I'm either considering a BBR 225 mapping for the Miata or a lotus elise S2 SC
Cup holders: I think you insert the "racket ball" last when installing the cup holder. So slide in the metal holder and then insert the ball (Not saying i'm correct, seems easy that way). Also, I think you had it upside down (the static picture was correct). I think some use the the holder above the 12 volt as a makeshift cup holder with a water bottle. Also, water bottles can be held on the side of the Lotus seats and the aluminum frame, they fit perfectly, lol.
Thanks so much for watching - and those are good tips!
That is the cup holder above the power socket.
Entertaining, definitely tongue in cheek. On the serious side what keeps me out of the Lotus (which I love on paper) is the build quality. As someone who expects Japanese reliability and build quality, the Lotus would make me resell it in a year.
Thanks so much Andre! I appreciate you watching! Just out of curiosity, have you driven the Elise? They are definitely lightweight and stripped down but the build quality might be better than you think!
AutoSugar No I have not driven an Elise. I am six feet tall and think the Evora is more accommodating, though at another price point. I am leaning toward tricking out a MX5 as a purchase, just for fun. My daily driver is a lightly modified RSX.
@@magic3817 Gotcha! Well, I don't think you'l be disappointed - the MX5 is awesome! But if you have a chance, you should try to experience an Elise just to have that frame of reference- at 6ft you should be able to fit in very comfortably, perhaps even more comfortably than in an MX5.
The thing with getting in and out is that in a lot of places (parkings f.e.) you can't open the door entirely which makes it a lot more difficult. I have issues with my left knee and therefore I am considering selling my Miata unfortunately because I love this car.
So sorry to hear that :( but it's a reality for some :(
Great review! 👍 Appreciated scoring system! 👍 Spot-on conclusion! 👍
Thank you so much for watching!
I can only encourage you to continue with the great content!
@@fragu123 It's very much appreciated!
I have a European (Rover-powered) Elise S2. Loved your comparison. Can you also make a comparison movie with a Honda S2000?
Thanks so much! Definitely! I'll start looking around to see if I can find one to compare it with - may take a little while but I can definitely make it happen in 2020!
S2000 just feels like sitting on a missile that you're not in control of when it hits the VETC - Elise feels like you're in charge not just a passenger. I'm 5'11 and found I was looking at the top edge of the windscreen in the S2000 I test drove. Elise feels much safer with the big roll hoop behind your head. S2000 felt like I'd get a haircut if it ever flipped.
Thanks so much for the insight - I definitely need to get behind the wheel of an S2000 soon!
Miata if you want a sports car that you can daily drive with reliability and the Lotus Elise if you want something that's going to be a lot more exclusive, but overtime way more expensive to take care of because how limited they are. Both cars are amazing, but definitely Miata for a better daily
miata is always the answer.
As much as I love my Lotus, if I could own both cars, I would daily the MIata.
If you do the oil cha gets yourself which mean taking the back half of the under tray off first, the only “expensive” item is the tires which are less expensive than my wife’s Acura RL at the time. You just have to plan for tire changes if on a trip when needed as the fronts are a different size from the rear and no one will have them in stock. I took a trip from so cal to Virginia and new I would need to replace the tires along the way so I ordered them from tire rack and sent them to a dealer along the way where I knew I would need to be replacing them. It worked out fine.
hey I’m looking at getting a Lotus, what
are some things to look for when buying one?
Hi Tyler - thanks for watching! That’s kind of a big question - but I’ve made several buyers guide videos for this channel to help - I would check those out and if you still have questions - drop another question in the comments and I’ll try to make a video to answer any specific questions you may have. Thanks for watching!
AutoSugar sounds good, appreciate the response 👍
Thanks Tyler!
That the chassis underneath is I damaged. Other than that just the usual. It’s a Toyota drive train. It’s reliable. Like any other modern car, change the oil, the brake pads, flush the radiator and brake lines and your good to go. Just make sure the previous owner has t thrashed the car. Lotus owners like to drive their cars. As an aside I never dump the clutch in any of my cars. That’s a good was to brake something and unnecessary. Good luck.
Should review the ND with the revised engine when doing a driving comparison as it has higher power and higher redline
I agree - I hope to soon!
AutoSugar I would think it is but is the lotus faster?
Excited to see revised engine review
As soon as I can get in one, I will share my thoughts here!
Daily driver Miata. Would I want one, no. I have a daily driver. Would I ever give up my Elise, NEVER! LOTUS ON!
Lotus on!
So is your daily driver better than a Miata? Because you can daily drive a Miata (I do) and an Elise isn't so good for that.
@@aperson5062 I would disagree. I drive my friend's Miata a bunch and there is more cabin storage in the Lotus. A shelf behind the seats, room behind the seats, forward shelf and forward cubbies. Reasonable room in the boot. And the weight of the engine up front it does not provide nearly as good a driving experience. Mata is a nice car, but far far behind the Lotus.
There is a set of luggage custom fitted to the Miata's trunk. Also there is a bike rack and luggage rack.
Very good info!
1 Point for Mazda's superior engineering and quality steel.
1 Point for Lotus Elise because a bird flew by.
lol! indeed!
5’ 9.5” here, for the MX-5 try the “butt in first” method then swing your legs in together
Good tip!
Yep I agree. I daily mine and I hurt my back. The only way in was to fall in butt first being careful not to hit head. After in rotate body and legs into vehicle.
I love my elise wouldnt change it for the world
Few buy an Elise, or any other Lotus as a daily driver. Having owned multiple versions of both of these cars I would like to add a few categories and indicate my preferences.
1. Handling/responsiveness -----Elise
2. Acceleration---------Elise
3. Attention magnet----------------Elise (not necessarily an asset )
4. Comfort (once you are in)---------------------------Elise
5. Ease of picking up change from the ground from a seated position------------------Elise
The bottom line is you need them both.
Truth!
I use my left hand and do a push up to get out.
Totally!
Years ago I sold my '65 Lotus Elan S2- and then drove a Miata. Not even close. Two weeks later I bought another '65 Elan S2. That was 21 years ago, still have it. Want a harmless daily driver- buy a Civic or a Miata. Want an extrasensory experience? Lotus. Lotus versus Mazda? That's apples and oranges, as every real Lotus owner knows.
Thanks so much for watching and sharing!
Brand new Miata handled worse than my $18,000 2015 Subaru Impreza. Elise is like driving on railroad tracks. There is no car that handles as well.
Elise is amazing!
Miata with coilover is good enough for daily. You dont want one too expensive to maintain. Both are slow and streets mostly dont have a lot of turns anyways
Re getting out of the Elise.
I use the grabbing the seat bolsters on the fabric portions and use my arms to lift myself up and get my bum on the sill then swing my legs out method. Voilà I'm out!
Btw the fabric portions of the seat bolster is designed for this very thing.
Good tip!
Are you a karate master? You sure like to chop the air with your hands when talking. Good info in the video, thumbs up for you.
I actually do have a brown belt in Karate!
Yes I am
'17-'00 Fiat 124 Spider.. Looks and drives like an Elise and a Miata had a baby. Best of both worlds
I have not yet driven the Fiat 124 but I will try to do that soon!
You don't need to roll down the windows to take the top off an Elise. Just open the door.
That is a good point! Thank you for watching!
You can also take the roof off while sitting in the driver seat. It's a little bit of a stretch but I have taken my roof off at stop lights many times (takes about 30-40 seconds). Roll everything up and throw it in the passenger floorboard (fits perfectly!!!). Believe it or not I can also put it back on while in the driver seat too, (much more of a challenge, but possible).
Try keeping the outside on the outside instead of rolling it inside out and getting dirt all over it😂
Kool
Well, I would do my evaluation differently from yours. Getting in & getting out depends on your TORSO and LEGS. So there are ways to get into a low vehicle.
To experience a go kart with engine behind you, you have to compromise with some things in life to enjoy it. Getting in & getting out is one of them.
There are ways you can make it easier. Doing YOGA would go a long way to make it easier for you as you get older. You could easily bound off the floor like a snake when getting out of Elise. LOL
To compare Elise to Miata is like comparing apple to orange. They both have a different purpose. Miata is a roaster with front engine, to enjoy weekends with the top down & commute to work. Elise is an entry level to racing & road with a mid engine design.
For me, I like mid-engine sports cars because it's cool driving with engine roaring behind you in style & fixed on a winding road. There is nothing like it with common cars with front engine.
Dude I own the 2016 Mazda Miata and I was thinking about owing a Lotus but I didn’t realize how small the car is. I would’ve thought it’ll be much bigger.
It's tiny!
Truth is the lotus has more room inside. I’m a bit cramped in my 20 Miata but I pulled the seat up two clicks in the lots. The lotus feels more spacious inside than the Miata. I’m 6’2”
Lotus is just a more expensive Miata, but for some reason they are not the most raced car in America..
Well, there are only a few thousand Elises in America, and they are pretty expensive when they break, whereas the Miata is a much easier car to own - but I wouldn't say it's just a more expensive Miata, it's got quite a few tricks up its sleeve.
The cup holder is above the cigarette lighter/power socket.
Many people do use that area as a cup holder, but technically it is not one.
@@AutoSugar wrong it was and is the original design for the cup holder.
In S2 Elise they added optional extra cup holder made out of Aluminium and leather for the dash.
@@carljohnellacott7299 I am aware that many people use that spot as a cupholder, but even in the Lotus owner's guide, it is referred to as an "Oddments pocket" not a cupholder - I'm not saying that it cannot hold a small water bottle, or something like that, but it is not, technically speaking, a proper cupholder.
Of course, the most important thing for a sports car is how easy is to enter and exit!!! I watched 6 minutes without hear revving the engine.:((((((((((((((
Thank you for watching - I do have many other videos on the Elise, and an entire series on the Exhaust sound - but more Miata v. Lotus videos are coming, this was just the first part in the series and focused on common concerns for folks who may actually be considering buying the vehicle - I admit that getting in and out of the car was pretty boring but I do think it matters for some people, and, well, we're not the most informative Lotus channel on TH-cam for nothing! :)
I call bullshit on the Lotus/Miata points XDD You made me die
Nice vid BTW
lol - thank you!
“I’m 5’10 180lbs about avg height an weight *sniffs loudly, adjust glasses*” he’s not wrong but it was just funny 😂
I can be a bit of a dork sometimes.
I own an Elise. I would never parallel park it. It's way to risky: the clamshells are super fragile and expensive. The rando driver pulling in/out of a spot around you could end up causing a serious headache fixing fiberglass damage. This is by far the biggest reason I don't drive my car in "daily" mode. If I could park it without worry, none of the other issues would bother me at all.
I fully agree - that’s my number one concern when driving it / parking it as well, and I live in Boston which is about the worst place to have to city park it most of the time!
Only thing that makes the Elise difficult is the chunky chassis bulkhead. Other than that if you can daily a MX-5/Miata you can daily an Elise. The Elise actually has a larger boot (but has a 50kg weight limit).
Thanks so much for watching!
To take the top off on an Elise You definitely do not have to put down the windows! I needed, complicated extra step. Simply open the doors!!
Jeez... I'm about the same height as you but damn getting out of a Lotus is almost like doing yoga
It absolutely is like doing yoga!
Miata is always the answer for a street car. That is a fact. Track car lotus wins. Everyone knows this
How much headspace do you have with the backrest straight up?
Not a ton in the Miata, a couple of inches but I'll try to get a more accurate number in the next video.
I have more in the Elise.
@@AutoSugar Thanks. I have the Miata and I like to drive with the backrest in (almost) vertical position. I don't have a couple of inches in the Miata. I can touch the roof with my head if I want to.
Also, I have short legs, so I have 2-3 inches of space behind my seat. Unfortunately, the more forward you put the seat in the Miata, the higher it gets.
Lotus seat no adjustment apart from sliding back forth
LESS IS MORE 👍
Truth!
Is this car review for handicap people or elderly people because the instructions how to get in and out of a sports Car
Are Elderly or Handicapped people of no concern to you at all?
On ever had a Miata look so huge
Indeed!
Just not comparable as a driving machine. The Elise is incredibly agile and a true driving experience, especially in curvy back roads.
I agree!
You can’t compare the two but a MX-5 especially ND2 is a driving experience. Very few cars are a total experience and the ND2 is one of them. Try driving a Club and reving each gear out to 7500rpm.
I definitely need to get behind the wheel of an ND2! I particularly love the 30th Anniversary Orange one!
@@TheChenny73 Oh sorry. I did not mean at all that the MX-5 is not a fun and great driving experience. It's a great machine, beautiful looks, and it's topless! And I can imagine they have improved on the experience with the ND2.
On the lotus, no need to roll down the windows. Just open the doors.
lol!
Haha ok so my question is answered by the next video. you own both of these toys?
I just own the Elise - my friend owns the Miata.
Why waste so much time explaining how to get in and out of a car - madness! If you're seriously interested in either car go test drive one nearby and you will know within 5sec if you'll fit or not. Good comparison overall though. The Elise because of fibreglass construction is much more of a pain. Also sound insulation is non existent. Try driving a gravel road in one! And heating can be temperamental. But much more raw driving experience and a way cooler car (and I say this as a Miata owner!).
Madness indeed! Thank you for watching
It is an important point if you never stepped into one, and considering to get one as it different to a sedan as well as 4wd SUV.
I other words the Elise is as strong as a wet rich tea biscuit
Stronger!
Mazda consumer reports super super reliable ! Enough said
No doubt
I owned on 05 Elise and never had a single problem. Put 70K on it before I had to sell it. It’s a Toyota for Pete’s sake!
LOTUS IS THE ANSWER
You can also just sit in butt first and pivot.
the constant beeping between cuts has caused me to leave this video
Without a racquetball.
lol, indeed!
Young man the way you got into the MX was all wrong, stand with your back to the car then put your backside “bum” in first fetching both legs into the car at the same time. I’m 74, 6’2” and about 220lbs or in uk 15.5 stones.
What...man try a C4 corvette the shit is just as terrible as the lotus and makes my knees hurt 😔 why god just why?...6’2 btw
lol!
You can get a Highlander with 35k
Indeed - I have one as a daily!
Much better car way more space too
“Your ownership of your own car put it’s bias in your points score, ....you might as well have a opening saying “I hate the Miata “....it’s gonna lose because” I don’t own it” ......You’re a MX5 hater .......”Your car is known for breakdowns” The Miata on the magazine consumer reports ranks of the number one car in the “United States of America” What does your car rank 🤣🤣🤣🤣
I like the Miata...so I'm not an MX-5 hater at all!
5'10" average height? American women would like to have a word with you. They consider you small unless you are 6' tall.
I just mean literal, average height which is 5' 9" - I'm not suggesting that its anyone's preferred height. lol
the whole left leg right leg is really annoying.
It is easier if you only have a single leg.
Elise is not a DAILY
Not for me - but it is for some!
I daily drive mine (20 miles each way). I'm 58, and have no problems. In fact I love it!
Awesome!
dafuq did I just watch?
A great video!
I thought the Miata was worth 26 thousand dollars for the soft top.
A ton of used ones sure.... maybe a base version also. But those damn things are expensive new!!!!
You can definitely get a base model sport for around 26K with no options, but for 2020, they start at 27-32k depending on the trim level, with no options - the RFs are more, but one can easily spec a manual GT with a couple of options at 35k, so we used that number - but you are right that one can be had for less!
soft top nd miatas are not 35k
They can be close for a new one.
@@AutoSugar Mine was 28k for a 2019 soft top sport with tax but idk about the gt and other packedges
Fun video thanks, I’d still have the Elise on style Alone, the Miata is ugly
Thanks for watching!
@@AutoSugar I'm a bit biased being a Lotus owner. But Iver never liked the current Miata/ MX5
It's ok! Different strokes for different folks! I like them both, but obviously I'm partial to the Elise!
The rf miata has the same lotus style
It definitely has that vibe!
I love how biased this test is
It's good to have a sense of humor
Agreed!
😂😂
My '09 came with the factory "jock strap" cup holder. It's actually ergonomic, but it's only useful for a soda can.
@@RandomTaskEHE Totally!
Thanks for watching!
Biased review 😑
All meant to be in good fun!
elise is not a daily driver is any way, great car. not practical at all
True!
That all depends on your age. When I was young and owned one it was not a problem because I so,enjoyed the drive every time. 🤔
The miata is the clear winner in this comparison all the fanboy points made no sense, the elise is the most ucomfortable I've ever driven.
It wins for being rare but loses for everything else.