1968 Lotus Elan vs. 2013 Honda Civic
To start off, 2013 Honda Civic is newer by 45 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,798 cc (4 cylinders), 2013 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Honda Civic (138 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1968 Lotus Elan. (116 HP @ 6250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1968 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Honda Civic weights approximately 428 kg more than 1968 Lotus Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1968 Lotus Elan is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1968 Lotus Elan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 Honda Civic, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2013 Honda Civic (174 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Lotus Elan. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2013 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Lotus Elan | 2013 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Lotus | Honda |
| Model | Elan | Civic |
| Year Released | 1968 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 1798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 87 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 850 kg | 1278 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4458 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1752 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1397 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 50 L |
