1979 Honda Civic vs. 1969 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1979 Honda Civic is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,558 cc (4 cylinders), 1969 Lotus Elan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Lotus Elan (118 HP) has 51 more horse power than 1979 Honda Civic. (67 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1969 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1979 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1969 Lotus Elan weights approximately 94 kg more than 1979 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1969 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 1969 Lotus Elan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 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, 1969 Lotus Elan (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 38 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Honda Civic. (108 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1969 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
1979 Honda Civic | 1969 Lotus Elan | |
Make | Honda | Lotus |
Model | Civic | Elan |
Year Released | 1979 | 1969 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1335 cc | 1558 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 67 HP | 118 HP |
Torque | 108 Nm | 146 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 72 mm | 82.6 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 72.8 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 9.5:1 |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 795 kg | 889 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3770 mm | 4300 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1680 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1200 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2330 mm | 2440 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 59 L |