1973 Honda Z vs. 1988 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1988 Lotus Esprit is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Honda Z. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Honda Z would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Lotus Esprit (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 140 more horse power than 1973 Honda Z. (32 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1973 Honda Z. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 596 kg more than 1973 Honda Z. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 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 1988 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1973 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, 1988 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 178 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Honda Z. (43 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1988 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Honda Z.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Honda Z | 1988 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Honda | Lotus |
| Model | Z | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 599 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 32 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 43 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 580 kg | 1176 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3140 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1310 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2440 mm |
