1988 Honda Civic vs. 2001 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2001 Lotus Elise is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Honda Civic would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Lotus Elise (120 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1988 Honda Civic. (114 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1988 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Honda Civic weights approximately 250 kg more than 2001 Lotus Elise.
Because 2001 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 2001 Lotus Elise. 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, 2001 Lotus Elise (168 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Honda Civic. (144 Nm @ 5300 RPM). This means 2001 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Honda Civic | 2001 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Honda | Lotus |
| Model | Civic | Elise |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1590 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5300 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.4 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| 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 | 750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1150 mm |
