1978 Honda Accord vs. 2009 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2009 Lotus Elise is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Honda Accord. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Honda Accord would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Lotus Elise (120 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 1978 Honda Accord. (79 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1978 Honda Accord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Honda Accord weights approximately 48 kg more than 2009 Lotus Elise.
Because 2009 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 2009 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Honda Accord, 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, 2009 Lotus Elise (168 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Honda Accord. (126 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2009 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Honda Accord.
Compare all specifications:
1978 Honda Accord | 2009 Lotus Elise | |
Make | Honda | Lotus |
Model | Accord | Elise |
Year Released | 1978 | 2009 |
Body Type | Sedan | Roadster |
Engine Position | Front | Middle |
Engine Size | 1602 cc | 1796 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 79 HP | 120 HP |
Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 126 Nm | 168 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 3500 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 77.1 mm | 80 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 89.3 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 11.0:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 930 kg | 882 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 3790 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1860 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1120 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2310 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 32 L |