1998 Honda S-MX vs. 1985 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1998 Honda S-MX is newer by 13 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 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Lotus Esprit (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1998 Honda S-MX. (129 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1998 Honda S-MX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Honda S-MX weights approximately 264 kg more than 1985 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1998 Honda S-MX is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1985 Lotus Esprit. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Honda S-MX will offer significantly more control. 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, 1985 Lotus Esprit (217 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Honda S-MX. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1985 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Honda S-MX.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Honda S-MX | 1985 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Honda | Lotus |
| Model | S-MX | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1973 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 217 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1332 kg | 1068 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2490 mm |
