1995 Honda NSX vs. 1990 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1995 Honda NSX is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 3,179 cc (6 cylinders), 1995 Honda NSX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Honda NSX (420 HP @ 8250 RPM) has 257 more horse power than 1990 Lotus Elan. (163 HP @ 6600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1995 Honda NSX should accelerate faster than 1990 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Honda NSX weights approximately 477 kg more than 1990 Lotus Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1995 Honda NSX 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 1995 Honda NSX. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 Lotus Elan, 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, 1995 Honda NSX (414 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 210 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Lotus Elan. (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1995 Honda NSX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
1995 Honda NSX | 1990 Lotus Elan | |
Make | Honda | Lotus |
Model | NSX | Elan |
Year Released | 1995 | 1990 |
Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
Engine Position | Middle | Front |
Engine Size | 3179 cc | 1588 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 420 HP | 163 HP |
Engine RPM | 8250 RPM | 6600 RPM |
Torque | 414 Nm | 204 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1497 kg | 1020 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 3810 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1740 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1240 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2260 mm |