1972 Honda Z vs. 1985 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1985 Lotus Esprit is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Honda Z. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Honda Z would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Lotus Esprit (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 134 more horse power than 1972 Honda Z. (24 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1972 Honda Z. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 558 kg more than 1972 Honda Z. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1985 Lotus Esprit 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 1985 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1972 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, 1985 Lotus Esprit (217 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 187 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Honda Z. (30 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1985 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Honda Z.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Honda Z | 1985 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Honda | Lotus |
| Model | Z | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 356 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 24 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 30 Nm | 217 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.5 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 57.8 mm | 76.2 mm |
| 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 | 510 kg | 1068 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3000 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1300 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2490 mm |
