1966 Lotus Elan vs. 1996 Honda S-MX
To start off, 1996 Honda S-MX is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,973 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Honda S-MX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Honda S-MX (129 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1966 Lotus Elan. (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Honda S-MX should accelerate faster than 1966 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Honda S-MX weights approximately 634 kg more than 1966 Lotus Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1966 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 1966 Lotus Elan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Honda S-MX, 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, 1996 Honda S-MX (191 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Lotus Elan. (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 Honda S-MX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Lotus Elan. 1996 Honda S-MX has automatic transmission and 1966 Lotus Elan has manual transmission. 1966 Lotus Elan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Honda S-MX will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1966 Lotus Elan | 1996 Honda S-MX | |
Make | Lotus | Honda |
Model | Elan | S-MX |
Year Released | 1966 | 1996 |
Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1557 cc | 1973 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 115 HP | 129 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 147 Nm | 191 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 85 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 88 mm |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Vehicle Weight | 696 kg | 1330 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 3960 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1700 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1760 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2510 mm |