1986 Honda Civic vs. 1974 Lotus Eclat
To start off, 1986 Honda Civic is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Lotus Eclat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Lotus Eclat would be higher. At 1,973 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Lotus Eclat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Lotus Eclat (160 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1986 Honda Civic. (125 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Lotus Eclat should accelerate faster than 1986 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Lotus Eclat weights approximately 206 kg more than 1986 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 Lotus Eclat 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 1974 Lotus Eclat. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1986 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, 1974 Lotus Eclat (190 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Honda Civic. (142 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1974 Lotus Eclat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Honda Civic. 1974 Lotus Eclat has automatic transmission and 1986 Honda Civic has manual transmission. 1986 Honda Civic will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1974 Lotus Eclat will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Honda Civic | 1974 Lotus Eclat | |
| Make | Honda | Lotus |
| Model | Civic | Eclat |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1590 cc | 1973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 125 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 142 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75.1 mm | 95.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 69.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 900 kg | 1106 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3760 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1820 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2440 mm |
