1963 Lotus Elan vs. 2012 Honda Insight
To start off, 2012 Honda Insight is newer by 49 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,498 cc (4 cylinders), 1963 Lotus Elan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1963 Lotus Elan (100 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 2012 Honda Insight. (98 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1963 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 2012 Honda Insight. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Honda Insight weights approximately 658 kg more than 1963 Lotus Elan.
Because 1963 Lotus Elan is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1963 Lotus Elan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Honda Insight, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2012 Honda Insight (167 Nm @ 1000 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 Lotus Elan. (138 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2012 Honda Insight will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 Lotus Elan | 2012 Honda Insight | |
| Make | Lotus | Honda |
| Model | Elan | Insight |
| Year Released | 1963 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 1300 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 98 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 138 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 1000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 594 kg | 1252 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 4376 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1694 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1427 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 40 L |
