1978 Honda Civic vs. 2009 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2009 Lotus Elise is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Honda Civic would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Lotus Elise (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 136 more horse power than 1978 Honda Civic. (53 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1978 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Lotus Elise weights approximately 276 kg more than 1978 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Lotus Elise 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 2009 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 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, 2009 Lotus Elise (180 Nm @ 6800 RPM) has 101 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Honda Civic. (79 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
1978 Honda Civic | 2009 Lotus Elise | |
Make | Honda | Lotus |
Model | Civic | Elise |
Year Released | 1978 | 2009 |
Body Type | Hatchback | Roadster |
Engine Position | Front | Middle |
Engine Size | 1169 cc | 1796 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 53 HP | 189 HP |
Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 7800 RPM |
Torque | 79 Nm | 180 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 6800 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 678 kg | 954 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 3790 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1730 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1120 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2310 mm |