1962 Honda S500 vs. 2006 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2006 Lotus Exige is newer by 44 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Honda S500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Honda S500 would be higher. At 1,794 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Lotus Exige is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Lotus Exige (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 151 more horse power than 1962 Honda S500. (38 HP @ 8000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1962 Honda S500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Lotus Exige weights approximately 236 kg more than 1962 Honda S500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2006 Lotus Exige (172 Nm @ 6750 RPM) has 133 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Honda S500. (39 Nm @ 6000 RPM). This means 2006 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Honda S500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 Honda S500 | 2006 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | Honda | Lotus |
| Model | S500 | Exige |
| Year Released | 1962 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 492 cc | 1794 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 39 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6000 RPM | 6750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 680 kg | 916 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3310 mm | 3800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1440 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 44 L |
