1973 Honda 1300 vs. 1990 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1990 Lotus Esprit is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Honda 1300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Honda 1300 would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Lotus Esprit (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 91 more horse power than 1973 Honda 1300. (81 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1973 Honda 1300. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 280 kg more than 1973 Honda 1300. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1990 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 1990 Lotus Esprit. 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, 1990 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 116 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Honda 1300. (105 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1990 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Honda 1300.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Honda 1300 | 1990 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Honda | Lotus |
| Model | 1300 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 2174 cc |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 105 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 895 kg | 1175 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4170 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2200 mm | 2440 mm |
