1998 Lotus Elise vs. 2002 Honda S-MX
To start off, 2002 Honda S-MX is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Lotus Elise would be higher. At 1,973 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Honda S-MX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Lotus Elise (187 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 2002 Honda S-MX. (129 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2002 Honda S-MX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Honda S-MX weights approximately 616 kg more than 1998 Lotus Elise.
Because 2002 Honda S-MX is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1998 Lotus Elise. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 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, 1998 Lotus Elise (193 Nm @ 5600 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Honda S-MX. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1998 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Honda S-MX. 2002 Honda S-MX has automatic transmission and 1998 Lotus Elise has manual transmission. 1998 Lotus Elise will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Honda S-MX will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Lotus Elise | 2002 Honda S-MX | |
| Make | Lotus | Honda |
| Model | Elise | S-MX |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 193 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5600 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 714 kg | 1330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3740 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2510 mm |
