1987 Honda Accord vs. 2009 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2009 Lotus Elise is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Honda Accord. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Honda Accord would be higher. At 1,955 cc (4 cylinders), 1987 Honda Accord is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Lotus Elise (186 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 1987 Honda Accord. (120 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1987 Honda Accord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Honda Accord weights approximately 330 kg more than 2009 Lotus Elise.
Because 2009 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 2009 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1987 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, 1987 Honda Accord (167 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Lotus Elise. (133 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 1987 Honda Accord will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Honda Accord | 2009 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Honda | Lotus |
| Model | Accord | Elise |
| Year Released | 1987 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1955 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 186 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.7 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1115 kg | 785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 3800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2310 mm |
