1988 Honda Civic vs. 2012 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2012 Lotus Exige is newer by 24 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 1,800 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Lotus Exige is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Lotus Exige (240 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 126 more horse power than 1988 Honda Civic. (114 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1988 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Honda Civic weights approximately 58 kg more than 2012 Lotus Exige.
Because 2012 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 2012 Lotus Exige. 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, 2012 Lotus Exige (230 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 86 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Honda Civic. (144 Nm @ 5300 RPM). This means 2012 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Honda Civic | 2012 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | Honda | Lotus |
| Model | Civic | Exige |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1590 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| 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 | 942 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 3797 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1727 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1158 mm |
