2002 Honda NSX vs. 1989 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2002 Honda NSX is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,977 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Honda NSX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Honda NSX (249 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1989 Lotus Esprit. (216 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Honda NSX should accelerate faster than 1989 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Honda NSX weights approximately 286 kg more than 1989 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, 1989 Lotus Esprit (298 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Honda NSX. (287 Nm @ 5300 RPM). This means 1989 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Honda NSX. 2002 Honda NSX has automatic transmission and 1989 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1989 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Honda NSX will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2002 Honda NSX | 1989 Lotus Esprit | |
Make | Honda | Lotus |
Model | NSX | Esprit |
Year Released | 2002 | 1989 |
Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
Engine Position | Middle | Middle |
Engine Size | 2977 cc | 2174 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 249 HP | 216 HP |
Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 287 Nm | 298 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5300 RPM | 4250 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 95.3 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 76.2 mm |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1434 kg | 1148 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4200 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1860 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1120 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2440 mm |