1975 Honda 145 vs. 2012 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2012 Lotus Elise is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Honda 145. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Honda 145 would be higher. At 1,800 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Lotus Elise (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 121 more horse power than 1975 Honda 145. (68 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1975 Honda 145. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1975 Honda 145 weights approximately 8 kg more than 2012 Lotus Elise.
Because 2012 Lotus Elise 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 2012 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1975 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, 2012 Lotus Elise (180 Nm @ 6800 RPM) has 62 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Honda 145. (118 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Honda 145.
Compare all specifications:
| 1975 Honda 145 | 2012 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Honda | Lotus |
| Model | 145 | Elise |
| Year Released | 1975 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1432 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 68 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 118 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 920 kg | 912 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4150 mm | 3785 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1500 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1118 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2299 mm |
