1981 Honda Civic vs. 2005 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2005 Lotus Elise is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Honda Civic would be higher. At 1,794 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Lotus Elise (120 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 1981 Honda Civic. (59 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1981 Honda Civic.
Because 2005 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 2005 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 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, 2005 Lotus Elise (168 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 75 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Honda Civic. (93 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2005 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
1981 Honda Civic | 2005 Lotus Elise | |
Make | Honda | Lotus |
Model | Civic | Elise |
Year Released | 1981 | 2005 |
Engine Position | Front | Middle |
Engine Size | 1333 cc | 1794 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 59 HP | 120 HP |
Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 93 Nm | 168 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 72 mm | 80 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 89.3 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 11.0:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 785 kg | 785 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3770 mm | 3790 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1730 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1150 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2330 mm | 2310 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 40 L |