1973 Honda 1300 vs. 1969 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1973 Honda 1300 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,558 cc (4 cylinders), 1969 Lotus Elan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Lotus Elan (118 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1973 Honda 1300. (81 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1969 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1973 Honda 1300. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Honda 1300 weights approximately 6 kg more than 1969 Lotus Elan.
Because 1969 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 1969 Lotus Elan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1973 Honda 1300, 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, 1969 Lotus Elan (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Honda 1300. (105 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1969 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Honda 1300.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Honda 1300 | 1969 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Honda | Lotus |
| Model | 1300 | Elan |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1969 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 1558 cc |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 105 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 895 kg | 889 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4170 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2200 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 35 L | 59 L |
