1996 Honda Accord vs. 1963 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1996 Honda Accord is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 2,156 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Honda Accord is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Honda Accord (148 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 1963 Lotus Elan. (100 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Honda Accord should accelerate faster than 1963 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Honda Accord weights approximately 776 kg more than 1963 Lotus Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1963 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 1963 Lotus Elan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 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, 1996 Honda Accord (200 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 62 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 Lotus Elan. (138 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1996 Honda Accord will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 Lotus Elan. 1996 Honda Accord has automatic transmission and 1963 Lotus Elan has manual transmission. 1963 Lotus Elan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Honda Accord will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda Accord | 1963 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Honda | Lotus |
| Model | Accord | Elan |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1963 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2156 cc | 1498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 138 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1370 kg | 594 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 3700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2140 mm |
