Compare the2024 Mazda MX-5 MiataVS 2024 Lotus Emira

The MX-5 Miata has standard Smart City Brake Support, which use forward mounted sensors to warn the driver of a possible collision ahead. If the driver doesn’t react and the system determines a collision is imminent, it automatically applies the brakes at full-force in order to reduce the force of the crash or avoid it altogether. The Emira doesn't offer collision warning or crash mitigation brakes.

The MX-5 Miata has standard Secondary Collision Reduction, which automatically apply the brakes in the event of a crash to help prevent secondary collisions and prevent further injuries. The Emira doesn’t offer a post collision braking system: in the event of a collision that triggers the airbags, more collisions are possible without the protection of airbags that may have already deployed.

The MX-5 Miata’s lane departure warning system alerts a temporarily inattentive driver when the vehicle begins to leave its lane. The Emira doesn’t offer a lane departure warning system.

To help make backing out of a parking space safer, the MX-5 Miata’s standard Rear Cross Traffic Alert uses sensors in the rear to alert the driver to vehicles approaching from the side, helping the driver avoid collisions. The Emira doesn’t offer a rear cross-path warning system.

The MX-5 Miata has standard E911 Automatic Emergency Notification, which uses a global positioning satellite (GPS) receiver and a cellular system to send emergency personnel to the scene if any airbags deploy. The Emira doesn’t offer a GPS response system, only a navigation computer with no live response for emergencies, so if you’re involved in an accident and you’re incapacitated help may not come as quickly.

Both the MX-5 Miata and the Emira have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control and electronic stability systems to prevent skidding.

The MX-5 Miata comes with free roadside assistance for 3 years 36,000 miles. Mazda will send help if you run out of gas, need a jump-start, lock your keys in or need any assistance on the road. Lotus doesn’t give free roadside assistance for the Emira.

Mazda’s powertrain warranty covers the MX-5 Miata 2 years and 24,000 miles longer than Lotus covers the Emira. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 5 years or 60,000 miles. Coverage on the Emira ends after only 3 years or 36,000 miles.

There are over 14 times as many Mazda dealers as there are Lotus dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the MX-5 Miata’s warranty.

On the EPA test cycle the MX-5 Miata gets better mileage than the Emira:

To lower fuel costs and make buying fuel easier, the Mazda MX-5 Miata uses regular unleaded gasoline (premium recommended for maximum performance). The Emira requires premium, which can cost on average about 84.9 cents more per gallon.

To help the driver achieve optimum performance and fuel economy, the MX-5 Miata has a standard up-shift light to indicate when to shift based on power needs and conditions. The Emira doesn’t offer an up-shift light.

The MX-5 Miata’s front to rear weight distribution is more even (51% to 49%) than the Emira’s (37.9% to 62.1%). This gives the MX-5 Miata more stable handling and braking.

For better maneuverability, the MX-5 Miata’s turning circle is 5 feet tighter than the Emira’s (30.8 feet vs. 35.8 feet).

The Mazda MX-5 Miata may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 800 to 900 pounds less than the Lotus Emira.

The MX-5 Miata is 1 foot, 7.6 inches shorter than the Emira, making the MX-5 Miata easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The MX-5 Miata is 6.3 inches narrower than the Emira, making the MX-5 Miata easier to handle and maneuver in traffic.

The MX-5 Miata's optional power retractable hardtop allows a seamless transition from an open car, to a completely sealed coupe. The Emira doesn’t offer a retractable hardtop.

A standard locking center console (which can’t be accessed with the valet key) keeps your small valuables safer in the MX-5 Miata. The Emira doesn’t offer locking storage for small valuables.

The engine in the MX-5 Miata is mounted longitudinally (North-South), instead of sideways, as in the Emira. This makes it easier to service and maintain, because there are no rear spark plugs and the accessory belts are in front.

The MX-5 Miata Auto has a standard remote vehicle starting system, so the vehicle can be started from inside the driver's house. This allows the driver to comfortably warm up the engine before going out to the vehicle. The Emira doesn’t offer a remote starting system.

The MX-5 Miata’s standard power windows have a locking feature to keep children from operating them. Lotus does not offer a locking feature on the Emira’s standard power windows.

The MX-5 Miata’s standard Advanced Keyless Entry and Start allow you to unlock the doors from either outside door handle, open the trunk, and start the engine, all without removing the key from the pocket or purse. Keyless Start standard on the Emira only offers hands-free access for the ignition, none to unlock the car.

While driving with high beams on, sensitive light sensors standard on the MX-5 Miata Grand Touring detect other vehicles which could be blinded and automatically switch to low beams. The Emira doesn’t offer automatic dimming high beams.

To help drivers see further while navigating curves, the MX-5 Miata Grand Touring has standard adaptive headlights to illuminate around corners automatically by reading vehicle speed and steering wheel angle. The Emira doesn’t offer cornering lights.

To keep a safe, consistent following distance, the MX-5 Miata Grand Touring Automatic has a standard Radar Cruise Control, which alters the speed of the vehicle without driver intervention. This allows the driver to use cruise control more safely without constantly having to disengage it when approaching slower traffic. The Emira doesn’t offer an adaptive cruise control.

Consumer Reports® recommends the Mazda MX-5 Miata, based on reliability, safety and performance.