1997 Honda Legend vs. 1985 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1997 Honda Legend is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 3,474 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Honda Legend is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Honda Legend (202 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1985 Lotus Esprit. (158 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Honda Legend should accelerate faster than 1985 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Honda Legend weights approximately 602 kg more than 1985 Lotus Esprit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1985 Lotus Esprit 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 1985 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Honda Legend, 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 Legend (298 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 81 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Lotus Esprit. (217 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1997 Honda Legend will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Lotus Esprit. 1997 Honda Legend has automatic transmission and 1985 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1985 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Honda Legend will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Honda Legend | 1985 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Honda | Lotus |
| Model | Legend | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3474 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 202 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 217 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 1068 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2920 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 31 L |
