1997 Honda Prelude vs. 1968 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1997 Honda Prelude is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Honda Prelude is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Honda Prelude (131 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1968 Lotus Elan. (116 HP @ 6250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Honda Prelude should accelerate faster than 1968 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Honda Prelude weights approximately 392 kg more than 1968 Lotus Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1968 Lotus Elan 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 1968 Lotus Elan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Honda Prelude, 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 Prelude (178 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Lotus Elan. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1997 Honda Prelude will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Honda Prelude | 1968 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Honda | Lotus |
| Model | Prelude | Elan |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1968 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 131 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 178 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1242 kg | 850 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2440 mm |
