- 376
- GTP_Reikro
This test was done using a DFP wheel. Please note that all cars was equipped with N2 tires and all driver assist systems turned off. Straight line times is the best time of three runs and laptimes is the best time of five laps at the Tsukuba circuit.
The Basics:
Price (Cr.), Power (Bhp) and Torque (lb ft)
Lotus Esprit V8
Price: 116. 250
Power: 350/6500
Torque: 295/4250
Honda NSX type S
Price: 103. 570
Power: 276/7300
Torque: 224/5300
There are a few things these two cars have in common. They are both mid-engined and they are both as old as the hills, the Honda 15 years, and the Lotus taking into account that production ceased in 2004- an astonishing 28 years! But most important of all, they are both indecently fast.
Through the years surprisingly little has changed. Apart from minor styling changes over the years, the biggest addition to the Esprit was the introduction of a V8 engine in 1996. The NSX got its first major facelift in late 2001, following a displacement increase from 3 to 3.2-litres and the addition of a sixth gear in 1997. Having 80 more horses under the bonnet and weighing more than 100 kilos less than the NSX, its natural that the Esprit is faster in a straight line. With a 0-60 time of 5.1 seconds, the Esprit leaves the NSX trailing behind with a time of 5.6, and the gap widens as it reaches the 100mph mark posting a time of 11 seconds flat, the NSX following 1.5 seconds later. Having said that, the Esprit is considerably more difficult to get clean of the line, with its rear wheels lighting up rather easily requiring you to feather the throttle whereas the NSX puts its power down much more cleanly allowing full power to be applied earlier.
Of course power and speed figures is only part of the story, which is why I went to Tsukuba to see how they handle the corners. The Lotus first, and Im pleasantly surprised with how responsive the engine is, despite being turbocharged. Its just a shame that it has no character whatsoever. The turbos might be to blame for the lack of a decent exhausts note, but there is no denying that it sounds like a boring 4-cylinder rather than a V8. On the upside it is a very torquey unit which pulls cleanly from low revs and revs freely to the redline, despite sounding like it doesnt want to. Boring the engine might be, but the chassis most definitely isnt. Put simply, the Esprit is beautifully balanced. Push it into a corner and it will understeer, but a lift of the throttle will soon take care of that. Treat the Esprit gently however and it tracks straight and true with just a little bit of power oversteer at the exits of corners. The Esprit lapped the Tsukuba circuit in 15.22, this is one fast car. Time for the NSX to fight back and the first thing I notice is the sheer loveliness of the V6. Tuneful, smooth and willing to sing all the way to 8000rpm, this is a brilliant engine. Not only does the NSX sing, it can also dance. Despite being heavier than the Esprit, the NSX feels more fluent on the track. Where the Esprits nose feels glassy the NSXs feels planted to the ground though it will still understeer when pushing it, but its much less pronounced than in the Esprit. Although the NSX is less keen to wag its tail under power it can be made to slide if you flick it into a corner with a trailing throttle. Just make sure you dont go too over the top. The NSX is hot on the Esprits tail but unable to beat it with a lap time of 15.92. Amazing when you consider that it weighs more and has much less power, this shows what can be done with a well tuned chassis.
Personal preference may be subjective, and it is difficult to ignore when choosing between these two cars. Unfortunately for the NSX, I always had a soft spot for the Esprit. If youre main concern is to go fast, then go for the Lotus. The Esprit gives you more bang for your money, they both cost about the same. Its blisteringly fast and it handles brilliantly. Despite the disappointing engine its a car that I really love. But it is the Honda that ultimately wins my heart. It might not be quite as fast as the Esprit, but its engine is a masterpiece, which combined with its fine handling manners makes it a more involving car to drive.
The Times: (Speed measured in mph)
0 - 60, 0 - 100, Top speed, 1 - 400m, 0 - 1000m and Best lap
Lotus Esprit V8
0 - 60: 5.1
0 - 100: 11.0
Top speed: 192
1 - 400m: 13.530
0 - 1000m: 23.912
Best lap: 1'5.221
Honda NSX type S
0 - 60: 5.6
0 - 100: 12.5
Top speed: 176
1 - 400m: 13.874
0 - 1000m: 24.874
Best lap: 1'5.942
Comments welcome.
The Basics:
Price (Cr.), Power (Bhp) and Torque (lb ft)
Lotus Esprit V8
Price: 116. 250
Power: 350/6500
Torque: 295/4250
Honda NSX type S
Price: 103. 570
Power: 276/7300
Torque: 224/5300
There are a few things these two cars have in common. They are both mid-engined and they are both as old as the hills, the Honda 15 years, and the Lotus taking into account that production ceased in 2004- an astonishing 28 years! But most important of all, they are both indecently fast.
Through the years surprisingly little has changed. Apart from minor styling changes over the years, the biggest addition to the Esprit was the introduction of a V8 engine in 1996. The NSX got its first major facelift in late 2001, following a displacement increase from 3 to 3.2-litres and the addition of a sixth gear in 1997. Having 80 more horses under the bonnet and weighing more than 100 kilos less than the NSX, its natural that the Esprit is faster in a straight line. With a 0-60 time of 5.1 seconds, the Esprit leaves the NSX trailing behind with a time of 5.6, and the gap widens as it reaches the 100mph mark posting a time of 11 seconds flat, the NSX following 1.5 seconds later. Having said that, the Esprit is considerably more difficult to get clean of the line, with its rear wheels lighting up rather easily requiring you to feather the throttle whereas the NSX puts its power down much more cleanly allowing full power to be applied earlier.
Of course power and speed figures is only part of the story, which is why I went to Tsukuba to see how they handle the corners. The Lotus first, and Im pleasantly surprised with how responsive the engine is, despite being turbocharged. Its just a shame that it has no character whatsoever. The turbos might be to blame for the lack of a decent exhausts note, but there is no denying that it sounds like a boring 4-cylinder rather than a V8. On the upside it is a very torquey unit which pulls cleanly from low revs and revs freely to the redline, despite sounding like it doesnt want to. Boring the engine might be, but the chassis most definitely isnt. Put simply, the Esprit is beautifully balanced. Push it into a corner and it will understeer, but a lift of the throttle will soon take care of that. Treat the Esprit gently however and it tracks straight and true with just a little bit of power oversteer at the exits of corners. The Esprit lapped the Tsukuba circuit in 15.22, this is one fast car. Time for the NSX to fight back and the first thing I notice is the sheer loveliness of the V6. Tuneful, smooth and willing to sing all the way to 8000rpm, this is a brilliant engine. Not only does the NSX sing, it can also dance. Despite being heavier than the Esprit, the NSX feels more fluent on the track. Where the Esprits nose feels glassy the NSXs feels planted to the ground though it will still understeer when pushing it, but its much less pronounced than in the Esprit. Although the NSX is less keen to wag its tail under power it can be made to slide if you flick it into a corner with a trailing throttle. Just make sure you dont go too over the top. The NSX is hot on the Esprits tail but unable to beat it with a lap time of 15.92. Amazing when you consider that it weighs more and has much less power, this shows what can be done with a well tuned chassis.
Personal preference may be subjective, and it is difficult to ignore when choosing between these two cars. Unfortunately for the NSX, I always had a soft spot for the Esprit. If youre main concern is to go fast, then go for the Lotus. The Esprit gives you more bang for your money, they both cost about the same. Its blisteringly fast and it handles brilliantly. Despite the disappointing engine its a car that I really love. But it is the Honda that ultimately wins my heart. It might not be quite as fast as the Esprit, but its engine is a masterpiece, which combined with its fine handling manners makes it a more involving car to drive.
The Times: (Speed measured in mph)
0 - 60, 0 - 100, Top speed, 1 - 400m, 0 - 1000m and Best lap
Lotus Esprit V8
0 - 60: 5.1
0 - 100: 11.0
Top speed: 192
1 - 400m: 13.530
0 - 1000m: 23.912
Best lap: 1'5.221
Honda NSX type S
0 - 60: 5.6
0 - 100: 12.5
Top speed: 176
1 - 400m: 13.874
0 - 1000m: 24.874
Best lap: 1'5.942
Comments welcome.
I like that comment. Keep it coming!
