1964 Honda S500 vs. 1994 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1994 Lotus Elan is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1964 Honda S500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1964 Honda S500 would be higher. At 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 1994 Lotus Elan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1994 Lotus Elan (163 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 125 more horse power than 1964 Honda S500. (38 HP @ 8000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1994 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1964 Honda S500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1994 Lotus Elan weights approximately 340 kg more than 1964 Honda S500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1964 Honda S500 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 1964 Honda S500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1994 Lotus Elan, 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, 1994 Lotus Elan (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 165 more torque (in Nm) than 1964 Honda S500. (39 Nm @ 6000 RPM). This means 1994 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1964 Honda S500.
Compare all specifications:
1964 Honda S500 | 1994 Lotus Elan | |
Make | Honda | Lotus |
Model | S500 | Elan |
Year Released | 1964 | 1994 |
Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 491 cc | 1588 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 38 HP | 163 HP |
Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 6600 RPM |
Torque | 39 Nm | 204 Nm |
Torque RPM | 6000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 680 kg | 1020 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3310 mm | 3810 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1440 mm | 1740 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1240 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2260 mm |