1985 Honda Accord vs. 1998 Lotus Elise
To start off, 1998 Lotus Elise is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Honda Accord. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Honda Accord would be higher. At 1,958 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Honda Accord is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Lotus Elise (187 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 1985 Honda Accord. (122 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1985 Honda Accord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Honda Accord weights approximately 436 kg more than 1998 Lotus Elise.
Because 1998 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 1998 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 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, 1998 Lotus Elise (193 Nm @ 5600 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Honda Accord. (165 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1998 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Honda Accord.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Honda Accord | 1998 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Honda | Lotus |
| Model | Accord | Elise |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1958 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 122 HP | 187 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 193 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1150 kg | 714 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4340 mm | 3740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2310 mm |
