1988 Honda Legend vs. 1989 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1989 Lotus Esprit is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Honda Legend. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Honda Legend would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Lotus Esprit (216 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1988 Honda Legend. (188 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1988 Honda Legend. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Honda Legend weights approximately 152 kg more than 1989 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1989 Lotus Esprit 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 1989 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Honda Legend, 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, 1989 Lotus Esprit (298 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 57 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Honda Legend. (241 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1989 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Honda Legend. 1988 Honda Legend has automatic transmission and 1989 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1989 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1988 Honda Legend will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Honda Legend | 1989 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Honda | Lotus |
| Model | Legend | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1996 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 188 HP | 216 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 241 Nm | 298 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 209 km/hour | 245 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 1148 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2440 mm |
