1995 Honda NSX vs. 1988 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1995 Honda NSX is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,977 cc (6 cylinders), 1995 Honda NSX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Honda NSX (280 HP @ 7300 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 1988 Lotus Esprit. (215 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1995 Honda NSX should accelerate faster than 1988 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Honda NSX weights approximately 192 kg more than 1988 Lotus Esprit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1988 Lotus Esprit (298 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 Honda NSX. (294 Nm @ 5400 RPM). This means 1988 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 Honda NSX.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 Honda NSX | 1988 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Honda | Lotus |
| Model | NSX | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2977 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 280 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 294 Nm | 298 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5400 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1188 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 31 L |
