1983 Honda Civic vs. 2002 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2002 Lotus Elise is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Honda Civic would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Lotus Elise (134 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 1983 Honda Civic. (59 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1983 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Honda Civic weights approximately 29 kg more than 2002 Lotus Elise.
Because 2002 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 2002 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1983 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, 2002 Lotus Elise (175 Nm @ 4850 RPM) has 81 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Honda Civic. (94 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2002 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Honda Civic | 2002 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Honda | Lotus |
| Model | Civic | Elise |
| Year Released | 1983 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1334 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 94 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4850 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 72 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 89.3 mm |
| 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 | 756 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 | 38 L |
