1971 Lotus Elan vs. 2005 Honda Accord
To start off, 2005 Honda Accord is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 2,204 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Honda Accord is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Honda Accord (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1971 Lotus Elan. (126 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Honda Accord should accelerate faster than 1971 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Honda Accord weights approximately 775 kg more than 1971 Lotus Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1971 Lotus Elan 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 1971 Lotus Elan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Honda Accord, 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 Honda Accord (347 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 194 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Lotus Elan. (153 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2005 Honda Accord will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Lotus Elan. 2005 Honda Accord has automatic transmission and 1971 Lotus Elan has manual transmission. 1971 Lotus Elan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Honda Accord will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Lotus Elan | 2005 Honda Accord | |
| Make | Lotus | Honda |
| Model | Elan | Accord |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 2204 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 126 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 153 Nm | 347 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 16.7:1 |
| Top Speed | 193 km/hour | 195 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 870 kg | 1645 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 65 L |
