1973 Honda 145 vs. 1985 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1985 Lotus Esprit is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Honda 145. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Honda 145 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 90 more horse power than 1973 Honda 145. (68 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1973 Honda 145. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 148 kg more than 1973 Honda 145. 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, 1973 Honda 145, 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 99 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Honda 145. (118 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1985 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Honda 145.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Honda 145 | 1985 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Honda | Lotus |
| Model | 145 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1433 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 68 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 118 Nm | 217 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 920 kg | 1068 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4150 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1500 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2490 mm |
