1986 Honda Civic vs. 2006 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2006 Lotus Elise is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Honda Civic would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Lotus Elise (189 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 1986 Honda Civic. (125 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1986 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Honda Civic weights approximately 114 kg more than 2006 Lotus Elise.
Because 2006 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 2006 Lotus Elise. 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, 2006 Lotus Elise (168 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Honda Civic. (142 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2006 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Honda Civic | 2006 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Honda | Lotus |
| Model | Civic | Elise |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1590 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 125 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 142 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75.1 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 900 kg | 786 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3760 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2310 mm |
