2005 Honda NSX vs. 1966 Lotus Elan
To start off, 2005 Honda NSX is newer by 39 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), 2005 Honda NSX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Honda NSX (252 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 137 more horse power than 1966 Lotus Elan. (115 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Honda NSX should accelerate faster than 1966 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Honda NSX weights approximately 789 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, 2005 Honda NSX (284 Nm @ 5400 RPM) has 137 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Lotus Elan. (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2005 Honda NSX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Lotus Elan. 2005 Honda 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. 2005 Honda NSX will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Honda NSX | 1966 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Honda | Lotus |
| Model | NSX | Elan |
| Year Released | 2005 | 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 | 252 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 284 Nm | 147 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90.1 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1485 kg | 696 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 3700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1180 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2140 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 45 L |
