1988 Honda Civic vs. 1970 Lotus Seven
To start off, 1988 Honda Civic is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Lotus Seven. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Lotus Seven would be higher. At 1,590 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Honda Civic (114 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1970 Lotus Seven. (85 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1970 Lotus Seven. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Honda Civic weights approximately 410 kg more than 1970 Lotus Seven. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1970 Lotus Seven 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 1970 Lotus Seven. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 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, 1988 Honda Civic (144 Nm @ 5300 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Lotus Seven. (125 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1988 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Lotus Seven.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Honda Civic | 1970 Lotus Seven | |
| Make | Honda | Lotus |
| Model | Civic | Seven |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1970 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1590 cc | 1340 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 590 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 3710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1110 mm |
