1979 Honda Accord vs. 1990 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1990 Lotus Elan is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Honda Accord. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Honda Accord would be higher. At 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Honda Accord is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Lotus Elan (163 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 83 more horse power than 1979 Honda Accord. (80 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1979 Honda Accord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Lotus Elan weights approximately 130 kg more than 1979 Honda Accord. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1990 Lotus Elan (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 78 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Honda Accord. (126 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 1990 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Honda Accord.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Honda Accord | 1990 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Honda | Lotus |
| Model | Accord | Elan |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 80 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 204 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 890 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2390 mm | 2260 mm |
