1987 Honda Civic vs. 2002 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2002 Lotus Exige is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Honda Civic would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Lotus Exige is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Lotus Exige (177 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1987 Honda Civic. (130 HP @ 6800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1987 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Honda Civic weights approximately 120 kg more than 2002 Lotus Exige.
Because 2002 Lotus Exige 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 Exige. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1987 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 Exige (181 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 38 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Honda Civic. (143 Nm @ 5700 RPM). This means 2002 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Honda Civic | 2002 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | Honda | Lotus |
| Model | Civic | Exige |
| Year Released | 1987 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1590 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 130 HP | 177 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 143 Nm | 181 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5700 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 900 kg | 780 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3780 mm | 3800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1190 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2310 mm |
