1997 Honda Accord vs. 2009 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2009 Lotus Elise is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Honda Accord. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Honda Accord would be higher. At 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Honda Accord is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Honda Accord (134 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 2009 Lotus Elise. (120 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Honda Accord should accelerate faster than 2009 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Honda Accord weights approximately 483 kg more than 2009 Lotus Elise. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Lotus Elise is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2009 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Honda Accord, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 Honda Accord (184 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Lotus Elise. (168 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1997 Honda Accord will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Honda Accord | 2009 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Honda | Lotus |
| Model | Accord | Elise |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 184 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85.1 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1365 kg | 882 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1120 mm |
