1984 Honda Civic vs. 2002 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2002 Lotus Esprit is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Honda Civic would be higher. At 3,504 cc (8 cylinders), 2002 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Lotus Esprit (350 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 250 more horse power than 1984 Honda Civic. (100 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1984 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 540 kg more than 1984 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2002 Lotus Esprit 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 Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1984 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 Esprit (400 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 269 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Honda Civic. (131 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2002 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Honda Civic | 2002 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Honda | Lotus |
| Model | Civic | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1984 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1488 cc | 3504 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 350 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 131 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.5 mm | 81 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 800 kg | 1340 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3760 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1870 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2430 mm |
