1970 Honda Z vs. 2012 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2012 Lotus Exige 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 Exige is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Lotus Exige (257 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 233 more horse power than 1970 Honda Z. (24 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1970 Honda Z. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Lotus Exige weights approximately 393 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 Exige 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 Exige. 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 Exige (236 Nm @ 6000 RPM) has 206 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Honda Z. (30 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2012 Lotus Exige 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 Exige | |
| Make | Honda | Lotus |
| Model | Z | Exige |
| Year Released | 1970 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| 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 | 257 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 30 Nm | 236 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 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 | 909 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3000 mm | 3797 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1300 mm | 1727 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1158 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2299 mm |
