1998 Acura NSX vs. 1962 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1998 Acura NSX is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 3,179 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Acura NSX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Acura NSX (291 HP @ 7100 RPM) has 191 more horse power than 1962 Lotus Elan. (100 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Acura NSX should accelerate faster than 1962 Lotus Elan.
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, 1998 Acura NSX (304 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 166 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Lotus Elan. (138 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1998 Acura NSX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Acura NSX | 1962 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Acura | Lotus |
| Model | NSX | Elan |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1962 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3179 cc | 1496 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 291 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7100 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 138 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 72.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 268 km/hour | 185 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 3700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1110 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2140 mm |
