2001 Honda S-MX vs. 1981 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2001 Honda S-MX is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Lotus Esprit (159 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 2001 Honda S-MX. (129 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2001 Honda S-MX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Honda S-MX weights approximately 263 kg more than 1981 Lotus Esprit.
Because 2001 Honda S-MX is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Lotus Esprit. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 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, 1981 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Honda S-MX. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1981 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Honda S-MX.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Honda S-MX | 1981 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Honda | Lotus |
| Model | S-MX | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1981 |
| 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 | 159 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 221 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 |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1330 kg | 1067 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 |
