1996 Honda Ballade vs. 1990 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1996 Honda Ballade is newer by 6 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 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Lotus Elan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Lotus Elan (163 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 1996 Honda Ballade. (89 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1996 Honda Ballade. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Honda Ballade weights approximately 70 kg more than 1990 Lotus Elan.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear 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, 1990 Lotus Elan (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 73 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda Ballade. (131 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1990 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Honda Ballade.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda Ballade | 1990 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Honda | Lotus |
| Model | Ballade | Elan |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1491 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 131 Nm | 204 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1090 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2260 mm |
