1974 Lotus Eclat vs. 2012 Honda Civic
To start off, 2012 Honda Civic is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Lotus Eclat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Lotus Eclat would be higher. At 2,400 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Honda Civic (201 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 1974 Lotus Eclat. (160 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1974 Lotus Eclat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Honda Civic weights approximately 325 kg more than 1974 Lotus Eclat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 Lotus Eclat 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 1974 Lotus Eclat. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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, 2012 Honda Civic (230 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 39 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Lotus Eclat. (191 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 2012 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Lotus Eclat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Lotus Eclat | 2012 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Lotus | Honda |
| Model | Eclat | Civic |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1973 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 191 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 1305 kg |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 50 L |
