1994 Honda Accord vs. 1971 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1994 Honda Accord is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 1994 Honda Accord is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Lotus Elan (126 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1994 Honda Accord. (114 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1994 Honda Accord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1994 Honda Accord weights approximately 350 kg more than 1971 Lotus Elan.
Because 1971 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 1971 Lotus Elan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1994 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, 1994 Honda Accord (173 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Lotus Elan. (153 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1994 Honda Accord will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1994 Honda Accord | 1971 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Honda | Lotus |
| Model | Accord | Elan |
| Year Released | 1994 | 1971 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 126 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 173 Nm | 153 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1220 kg | 870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1200 mm |
