1969 Lotus Elan vs. 2003 Honda Life
To start off, 2003 Honda Life is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,558 cc (4 cylinders), 1969 Lotus Elan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Lotus Elan (118 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 2003 Honda Life. (47 HP @ 6300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1969 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 2003 Honda Life. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1969 Lotus Elan weights approximately 99 kg more than 2003 Honda Life. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Honda Life is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1969 Lotus Elan. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Honda Life will offer significantly more control. 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, 1969 Lotus Elan (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 89 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Honda Life. (57 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1969 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Honda Life. 2003 Honda Life has automatic transmission and 1969 Lotus Elan has manual transmission. 1969 Lotus Elan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Honda Life will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Lotus Elan | 2003 Honda Life | |
| Make | Lotus | Honda |
| Model | Elan | Life |
| Year Released | 1969 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 656 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 47 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 57 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 889 kg | 790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 3410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1480 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1660 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2370 mm |
