1973 Honda Life vs. 1969 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1973 Honda Life 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 (116 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 86 more horse power than 1973 Honda Life. (30 HP @ 8000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1969 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1973 Honda Life. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1969 Lotus Elan weights approximately 360 kg more than 1973 Honda Life. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 Life, 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 117 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Honda Life. (29 Nm @ 6000 RPM). This means 1969 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Honda Life.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Honda Life | 1969 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Honda | Lotus |
| Model | Life | Elan |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1969 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 356 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 30 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 29 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 67 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 50.6 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 490 kg | 850 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3000 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1300 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2090 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 45 L |
