1986 Lotus Excel vs. 2008 Honda Civic
To start off, 2008 Honda Civic is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Lotus Excel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Lotus Excel would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Lotus Excel is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Lotus Excel (180 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 2008 Honda Civic. (123 HP @ 6300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 Lotus Excel should accelerate faster than 2008 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Lotus Excel weights approximately 23 kg more than 2008 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1986 Lotus Excel 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 1986 Lotus Excel. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 1986 Lotus Excel (224 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 71 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Honda Civic. (153 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1986 Lotus Excel will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Lotus Excel | 2008 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Lotus | Honda |
| Model | Excel | Civic |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1668 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 180 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 224 Nm | 153 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.9:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 200 km/hour | 196 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1177 kg | 1154 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1020 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 50 L |
