1992 Honda Prelude vs. 1959 Lotus Elite
To start off, 1992 Honda Prelude is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Lotus Elite. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Lotus Elite would be higher. At 2,257 cc (4 cylinders), 1992 Honda Prelude is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1992 Honda Prelude (158 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 1959 Lotus Elite. (71 HP @ 6100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1992 Honda Prelude should accelerate faster than 1959 Lotus Elite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1992 Honda Prelude weights approximately 730 kg more than 1959 Lotus Elite. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 Lotus Elite 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 1959 Lotus Elite. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1992 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, 1992 Honda Prelude (209 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 105 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Lotus Elite. (104 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1992 Honda Prelude will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Lotus Elite.
Compare all specifications:
| 1992 Honda Prelude | 1959 Lotus Elite | |
| Make | Honda | Lotus |
| Model | Prelude | Elite |
| Year Released | 1992 | 1959 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2257 cc | 1216 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 209 Nm | 104 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1310 kg | 580 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 3710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1510 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1190 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2240 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 29 L |
