1977 Honda Civic vs. 2012 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2012 Lotus Exige is newer by 35 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 1,800 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Lotus Exige is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Lotus Exige (257 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 204 more horse power than 1977 Honda Civic. (53 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1977 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Lotus Exige weights approximately 234 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 2012 Lotus Exige 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 2012 Lotus Exige. 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, 2012 Lotus Exige (236 Nm @ 6000 RPM) has 157 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Honda Civic. (79 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 Honda Civic | 2012 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | Honda | Lotus |
| Model | Civic | Exige |
| Year Released | 1977 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1169 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 257 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 79 Nm | 236 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| 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 | 909 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 3797 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1727 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1158 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2299 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 41 L | 44 L |
