A Mazda Miata surprisingly outruns a Lamborghini Revuelto in EV mode, but the tables turn once the V12 kicks in.
In a matchup few would expect, a humble Mazda MX-5 Miata managed to outrun a Lamborghini Revuelto—at least for a moment—during a drag race staged at the Streets of Willow track. The unusual contest highlighted how close the race can be when power is equalized and weight becomes the deciding factor.
Motor1's inaugural Cool Car Cup pitted the two vastly different vehicles against each other in an experiment that initially seemed absurd. But in the Lamborghini’s Città (city) mode, its hybrid system limits output to roughly 185 horsepower—almost identical to the 181 horsepower produced by the Miata’s naturally aspirated 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine.
While the Revuelto’s trio of electric motors deliver instant torque, the Lamborghini’s substantial weight—estimated around 4,000 pounds—worked against it. The Miata RF, tipping the scales at just 2,450 pounds, capitalized on its featherweight advantage. In a drag race from a standing start and a 20 mph roll, the Miata consistently edged out the Italian supercar, showcasing just how critical weight-to-power ratios are when raw horsepower isn't the only factor.
Of course, the outcome shifted dramatically when the Lamborghini’s monstrous V12 was unleashed in Corsa mode. With the full 1,001 horsepower on tap, the Revuelto obliterated the Miata, underscoring why the hybrid hypercar sits atop the automotive performance food chain.
Still, for a few brief moments, the Miata proved that smart engineering and lightweight design can trump even the most exotic machines—at least until all the cylinders come alive. The matchup served as a reminder that sometimes, David really can out-sprint Goliath—depending on the rules of engagement.
