2008 Honda NSX vs. 1980 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2008 Honda NSX is newer by 28 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 2,975 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Honda NSX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Honda NSX (252 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 94 more horse power than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (158 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Honda NSX should accelerate faster than 1980 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Honda NSX weights approximately 410 kg more than 1980 Lotus Esprit. 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, 2008 Honda NSX (284 Nm @ 5400 RPM) has 62 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (222 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2008 Honda NSX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Lotus Esprit. 2008 Honda NSX has automatic transmission and 1980 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1980 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Honda NSX will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Honda NSX | 1980 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Honda | Lotus |
| Model | NSX | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2975 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 252 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 284 Nm | 222 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1530 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 67 L |
