1970 Honda Z vs. 2012 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2012 Lotus Elise is newer by 42 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Honda Z. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Honda Z would be higher. At 1,800 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Lotus Elise (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 165 more horse power than 1970 Honda Z. (24 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1970 Honda Z. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Lotus Elise weights approximately 396 kg more than 1970 Honda Z. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 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 2012 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1970 Honda Z, 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, 2012 Lotus Elise (180 Nm @ 6800 RPM) has 150 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Honda Z. (30 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2012 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Honda Z.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Honda Z | 2012 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Honda | Lotus |
| Model | Z | Elise |
| Year Released | 1970 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 356 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 24 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 30 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 516 kg | 912 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3000 mm | 3785 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1300 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1118 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2299 mm |
