1996 Honda NSX vs. 1962 Lotus Elite
To start off, 1996 Honda NSX is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Lotus Elite. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Lotus Elite would be higher. At 2,977 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Honda NSX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Honda NSX (280 HP) has 197 more horse power than 1962 Lotus Elite. (83 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Honda NSX should accelerate faster than 1962 Lotus Elite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Honda NSX weights approximately 710 kg more than 1962 Lotus Elite. 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, 1996 Honda NSX (294 Nm @ 5400 RPM) has 192 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Lotus Elite. (102 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1996 Honda NSX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Lotus Elite.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda NSX | 1962 Lotus Elite | |
| Make | Honda | Lotus |
| Model | NSX | Elite |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1962 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2977 cc | 1215 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 280 HP | 83 HP |
| Torque | 294 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5400 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 66.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1370 kg | 660 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 3710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1510 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1190 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2240 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 29 L |
