2004 Honda Element vs. 1980 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2004 Honda Element is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,360 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Honda Element is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Lotus Esprit (210 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 2004 Honda Element. (160 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2004 Honda Element. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Honda Element weights approximately 292 kg more than 1980 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1980 Lotus Esprit is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1980 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Honda Element, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1980 Lotus Esprit (271 Nm) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Honda Element. (218 Nm). This means 1980 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Honda Element.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Honda Element | 1980 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Honda | Lotus |
| Model | Element | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Crossover | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2360 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 95.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1511 kg | 1219 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2440 mm |
