2000 Honda S-MX vs. 1996 Lotus Elan
To start off, 2000 Honda S-MX is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,973 cc (4 cylinders), 2000 Honda S-MX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Lotus Elan (163 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 2000 Honda S-MX. (130 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 2000 Honda S-MX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Honda S-MX weights approximately 310 kg more than 1996 Lotus Elan.
Because 2000 Honda S-MX is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Lotus Elan. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2000 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, 1996 Lotus Elan (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Honda S-MX. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1996 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Honda S-MX.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Honda S-MX | 1996 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Honda | Lotus |
| Model | S-MX | Elan |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1973 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 130 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 204 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1330 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2260 mm |
