1992 Honda Prelude vs. 1962 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1992 Honda Prelude is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 1992 Honda Prelude is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1992 Honda Prelude (131 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 1962 Lotus Elan. (100 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1992 Honda Prelude should accelerate faster than 1962 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1992 Honda Prelude weights approximately 645 kg more than 1962 Lotus Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1962 Lotus Elan 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 1962 Lotus Elan. 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 (179 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Lotus Elan. (138 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1992 Honda Prelude will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1992 Honda Prelude | 1962 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Honda | Lotus |
| Model | Prelude | Elan |
| Year Released | 1992 | 1962 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 1496 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 131 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 179 Nm | 138 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 72.7 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1235 kg | 590 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 3700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1110 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2140 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 45 L |
