1971 Honda Life vs. 2002 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2002 Lotus Elise is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Honda Life. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Honda Life would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Lotus Elise (134 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 1971 Honda Life. (34 HP @ 9000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1971 Honda Life. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Lotus Elise weights approximately 266 kg more than 1971 Honda Life. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2002 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 2002 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1971 Honda Life, 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 Elise (175 Nm @ 4850 RPM) has 143 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Honda Life. (32 Nm @ 7000 RPM). This means 2002 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Honda Life.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Honda Life | 2002 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Honda | Lotus |
| Model | Life | Elise |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 356 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 34 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 9000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 32 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 7000 RPM | 4850 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 490 kg | 756 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3000 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1300 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2090 mm | 2310 mm |
