2000 Honda NSX vs. 1985 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2000 Honda NSX is newer by 15 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 3,177 cc (6 cylinders), 2000 Honda NSX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Honda NSX (290 HP @ 7100 RPM) has 132 more horse power than 1985 Lotus Esprit. (158 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Honda NSX should accelerate faster than 1985 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Honda NSX weights approximately 302 kg more than 1985 Lotus Esprit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2000 Honda NSX (310 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 93 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Lotus Esprit. (217 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2000 Honda NSX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Honda NSX | 1985 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Honda | Lotus |
| Model | NSX | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3177 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 290 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7100 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 310 Nm | 217 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1370 kg | 1068 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 31 L |
