1997 Honda Prelude vs. 1984 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1997 Honda Prelude is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1984 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Honda Prelude (200 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1984 Lotus Esprit. (158 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Honda Prelude should accelerate faster than 1984 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Honda Prelude weights approximately 223 kg more than 1984 Lotus Esprit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1984 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 1984 Lotus Esprit. 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 (219 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Lotus Esprit. (217 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1997 Honda Prelude will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Lotus Esprit. 1997 Honda Prelude has automatic transmission and 1984 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1984 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Honda Prelude will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Honda Prelude | 1984 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Honda | Lotus |
| Model | Prelude | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1984 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2157 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 219 Nm | 217 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.6:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1290 kg | 1067 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 31 L |
