1996 Lotus Esprit vs. 1998 Honda S-MX
To start off, 1998 Honda S-MX is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Lotus Esprit (285 HP) has 156 more horse power than 1998 Honda S-MX. (129 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1998 Honda S-MX.
Because 1998 Honda S-MX is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Lotus Esprit. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Honda S-MX will offer significantly more control. 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 Lotus Esprit (510 Nm) has 320 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Honda S-MX. (190 Nm). This means 1996 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Honda S-MX. 1998 Honda S-MX has automatic transmission and 1996 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1996 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Honda S-MX will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Lotus Esprit | 1998 Honda S-MX | |
| Make | Lotus | Honda |
| Model | Esprit | S-MX |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 285 HP | 129 HP |
| Torque | 510 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 88 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2420 mm | 2510 mm |
