1986 Honda Prelude vs. 1998 Lotus Elise
To start off, 1998 Lotus Elise is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Honda Prelude. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Honda Prelude would be higher. At 1,829 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Honda Prelude is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Lotus Elise (187 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 1986 Honda Prelude. (107 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1986 Honda Prelude. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Honda Prelude weights approximately 261 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, 1986 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, 1998 Lotus Elise (193 Nm @ 5600 RPM) has 38 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Honda Prelude. (155 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1998 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Honda Prelude.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Honda Prelude | 1998 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Honda | Lotus |
| Model | Prelude | Elise |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1998 |
| 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 |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 107 HP | 187 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 155 Nm | 193 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 975 kg | 714 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 3740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2310 mm |
