1982 Honda Prelude vs. 1969 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1982 Honda Prelude is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,750 cc (4 cylinders), 1982 Honda Prelude is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Lotus Elan (116 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1982 Honda Prelude. (90 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1969 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1982 Honda Prelude. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Honda Prelude weights approximately 40 kg more than 1969 Lotus Elan.
Because 1969 Lotus Elan 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 1969 Lotus Elan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1982 Honda Prelude, 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, 1969 Lotus Elan (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Honda Prelude. (142 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1969 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Honda Prelude.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Honda Prelude | 1969 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Honda | Lotus |
| Model | Prelude | Elan |
| Year Released | 1982 | 1969 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1750 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 142 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 77 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 890 kg | 850 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2330 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 45 L |
