1997 Acura NSX vs. 2011 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2011 Lotus Elise is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Acura NSX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Acura NSX would be higher. At 2,977 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Acura NSX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Acura NSX (272 HP @ 7300 RPM) has 83 more horse power than 2011 Lotus Elise. (189 HP @ 7800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Acura NSX should accelerate faster than 2011 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Acura NSX weights approximately 458 kg more than 2011 Lotus Elise. 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, 1997 Acura NSX (284 Nm @ 5400 RPM) has 104 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Lotus Elise. (180 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 1997 Acura NSX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Acura NSX | 2011 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Acura | Lotus |
| Model | NSX | Elise |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Middle | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2977 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 272 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7300 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 284 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5400 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| 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 | 912 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4420 mm | 3785 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1118 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2299 mm |
