1996 Honda Accord vs. 1980 Lotus Eclat
To start off, 1996 Honda Accord is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Lotus Eclat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Lotus Eclat would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Lotus Eclat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Lotus Eclat (160 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1996 Honda Accord. (135 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Lotus Eclat should accelerate faster than 1996 Honda Accord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Honda Accord weights approximately 261 kg more than 1980 Lotus Eclat.
Because 1980 Lotus Eclat 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 1980 Lotus Eclat. 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, 1980 Lotus Eclat (217 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda Accord. (184 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1980 Lotus Eclat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Honda Accord.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda Accord | 1980 Lotus Eclat | |
| Make | Honda | Lotus |
| Model | Accord | Eclat |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 184 Nm | 217 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1365 kg | 1104 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1210 mm |
