1977 Honda Civic vs. 1987 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1987 Lotus Esprit is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Honda Civic would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1987 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Lotus Esprit (160 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 107 more horse power than 1977 Honda Civic. (53 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1977 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 392 kg more than 1977 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1987 Lotus Esprit 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 1987 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1977 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, 1987 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5250 RPM) has 142 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Honda Civic. (79 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1987 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 Honda Civic | 1987 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Honda | Lotus |
| Model | Civic | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1977 | 1987 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1169 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 79 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 72 mm | 95.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.1:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 675 kg | 1067 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 41 L | 31 L |
