1996 Honda NSX vs. 2002 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2002 Lotus Esprit is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Honda NSX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Honda NSX would be higher. At 3,504 cc (8 cylinders), 2002 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Lotus Esprit (350 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1996 Honda NSX. (280 HP @ 7300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1996 Honda NSX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Honda NSX weights approximately 30 kg more than 2002 Lotus Esprit.
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, 2002 Lotus Esprit (400 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 106 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda NSX. (294 Nm @ 5400 RPM). This means 2002 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Honda NSX.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda NSX | 2002 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Honda | Lotus |
| Model | NSX | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2977 cc | 3504 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 280 HP | 350 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7300 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 294 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5400 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 81 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| 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 | 1340 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2430 mm |
