2007 Honda NSX vs. 1966 Lotus Elan
To start off, 2007 Honda NSX is newer by 41 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 3,179 cc (6 cylinders), 2007 Honda NSX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Honda NSX (276 HP @ 7300 RPM) has 161 more horse power than 1966 Lotus Elan. (115 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Honda NSX should accelerate faster than 1966 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Honda NSX weights approximately 749 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, 2007 Honda NSX (299 Nm @ 5300 RPM) has 152 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Lotus Elan. (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2007 Honda NSX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Honda NSX | 1966 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Honda | Lotus |
| Model | NSX | Elan |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1966 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3179 cc | 1557 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 276 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 299 Nm | 147 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Top Speed | 270 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1445 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 |
