1979 Lotus Esprit vs. 2011 Honda Odyssey
To start off, 2011 Honda Odyssey is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Honda Odyssey is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Honda Odyssey (248 HP) has 88 more horse power than 1979 Lotus Esprit. (160 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Honda Odyssey should accelerate faster than 1979 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1979 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 1979 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Honda Odyssey, 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, 2011 Honda Odyssey (339 Nm) has 122 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Lotus Esprit. (217 Nm). This means 2011 Honda Odyssey will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Lotus Esprit. 2011 Honda Odyssey has automatic transmission and 1979 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1979 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Honda Odyssey will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Lotus Esprit | 2011 Honda Odyssey | |
| Make | Lotus | Honda |
| Model | Esprit | Odyssey |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 248 HP |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 339 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 5154 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 2012 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1737 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 3000 mm |
