1989 Honda Shuttle vs. 2005 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2005 Lotus Exige is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Honda Shuttle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Honda Shuttle would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Lotus Exige is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Lotus Exige (243 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 154 more horse power than 1989 Honda Shuttle. (89 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1989 Honda Shuttle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Honda Shuttle weights approximately 10 kg more than 2005 Lotus Exige.
Because 2005 Lotus Exige 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 2005 Lotus Exige. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Honda Shuttle, 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, 2005 Lotus Exige (236 Nm @ 7000 RPM) has 124 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Honda Shuttle. (112 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2005 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Honda Shuttle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Honda Shuttle | 2005 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | Honda | Lotus |
| Model | Shuttle | Exige |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1396 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 243 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 112 Nm | 236 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 940 kg | 930 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4110 mm | 3800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1520 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2310 mm |
