1999 Honda Z vs. 1998 Lotus Elise
To start off, 1999 Honda Z is newer by 1 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 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Lotus Elise (116 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 1999 Honda Z. (51 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1999 Honda Z. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Honda Z weights approximately 255 kg more than 1998 Lotus Elise.
Because 1999 Honda Z 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, 1999 Honda Z 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 (165 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 104 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Honda Z. (61 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1998 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Honda Z.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Honda Z | 1998 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Honda | Lotus |
| Model | Z | Elise |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 656 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 61 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 64 mm | 89.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 960 kg | 705 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3410 mm | 3730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1490 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1680 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 35 L | 40 L |
