1970 Honda N III vs. 2005 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2005 Lotus Elise is newer by 35 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 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Lotus Elise (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 158 more horse power than 1970 Honda N III. (31 HP @ 8500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1970 Honda N III. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Lotus Elise weights approximately 355 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 2005 Lotus Elise 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 2005 Lotus Elise. 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, 2005 Lotus Elise (186 Nm @ 6800 RPM) has 156 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Honda N III. (30 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2005 Lotus Elise 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 | 2005 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Honda | Lotus |
| Model | N III | Elise |
| Year Released | 1970 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 354 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 31 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8500 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 30 Nm | 186 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.5 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 57.8 mm | 85 mm |
| Top Speed | 115 km/hour | 241 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 495 kg | 850 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3000 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1300 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2310 mm |
