2003 Acura NSX vs. 1966 Lotus Elan
To start off, 2003 Acura NSX is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 2,977 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Acura NSX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Acura NSX (249 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 134 more horse power than 1966 Lotus Elan. (115 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Acura NSX should accelerate faster than 1966 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Acura NSX weights approximately 734 kg more than 1966 Lotus Elan. 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, 2003 Acura NSX (285 Nm @ 5300 RPM) has 138 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Lotus Elan. (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 Acura NSX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Lotus Elan. 2003 Acura NSX has automatic transmission and 1966 Lotus Elan has manual transmission. 1966 Lotus Elan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Acura NSX will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Acura NSX | 1966 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Acura | Lotus |
| Model | NSX | Elan |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1966 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2977 cc | 1557 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 249 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 147 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 696 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 3700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1180 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2140 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 45 L |
