1998 Honda NSX vs. 1991 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1998 Honda NSX is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1991 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1991 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 2,977 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Honda NSX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Honda NSX (252 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 1991 Lotus Elan. (163 HP @ 6600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Honda NSX should accelerate faster than 1991 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Honda NSX weights approximately 410 kg more than 1991 Lotus Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 Honda NSX 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 1998 Honda NSX. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1991 Lotus Elan, 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, 1998 Honda NSX (284 Nm @ 5400 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 Lotus Elan. (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1998 Honda NSX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1991 Lotus Elan. 1998 Honda NSX has automatic transmission and 1991 Lotus Elan has manual transmission. 1991 Lotus Elan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Honda NSX will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Honda NSX | 1991 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Honda | Lotus |
| Model | NSX | Elan |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1991 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2977 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 252 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 284 Nm | 204 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5400 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2260 mm |
