1985 Honda Prelude vs. 2002 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2002 Lotus Elise is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Honda Prelude. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Honda Prelude would be higher. At 1,829 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Honda Prelude is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Lotus Elise (156 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1985 Honda Prelude. (107 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1985 Honda Prelude. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Honda Prelude weights approximately 169 kg more than 2002 Lotus Elise.
Because 2002 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 2002 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 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, 2002 Lotus Elise (180 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Honda Prelude. (156 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2002 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Honda Prelude.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Honda Prelude | 2002 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Honda | Lotus |
| Model | Prelude | Elise |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1829 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 107 HP | 156 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 156 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Top Speed | 183 km/hour | 212 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 975 kg | 806 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 38 L |
