2008 Honda NSX vs. 1996 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2008 Honda NSX is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,975 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Honda NSX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Lotus Esprit (285 HP) has 33 more horse power than 2008 Honda NSX. (252 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2008 Honda NSX.
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, 1996 Lotus Esprit (510 Nm) has 226 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Honda NSX. (284 Nm). This means 1996 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Honda NSX. 2008 Honda NSX has automatic transmission and 1996 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1996 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 | 1996 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Honda | Lotus |
| Model | NSX | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1996 |
| 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 | 285 HP |
| Torque | 284 Nm | 510 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 90 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 260 km/hour | 265 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2420 mm |
