1970 Honda N III vs. 2002 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2002 Lotus Esprit is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Honda N III. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Honda N III would be higher. At 3,504 cc (8 cylinders), 2002 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Lotus Esprit (350 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 314 more horse power than 1970 Honda N III. (36 HP @ 9000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1970 Honda N III. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 800 kg more than 1970 Honda N III. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2002 Lotus Esprit 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 2002 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1970 Honda N III, 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, 2002 Lotus Esprit (400 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 368 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Honda N III. (32 Nm @ 7000 RPM). This means 2002 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Honda N III.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Honda N III | 2002 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Honda | Lotus |
| Model | N III | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1970 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 354 cc | 3504 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 36 HP | 350 HP |
| Engine RPM | 9000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 32 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 7000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.5 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 57.8 mm | 81 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 1340 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3000 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1300 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2430 mm |
