1992 Honda Civic vs. 2011 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2011 Lotus Elise is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1992 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1992 Honda Civic would be higher. At 1,800 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Lotus Elise (217 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 94 more horse power than 1992 Honda Civic. (123 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1992 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1992 Honda Civic weights approximately 124 kg more than 2011 Lotus Elise.
Because 2011 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 2011 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1992 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, 2011 Lotus Elise (210 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1992 Honda Civic. (150 Nm @ 5200 RPM). This means 2011 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1992 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1992 Honda Civic | 2011 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Honda | Lotus |
| Model | Civic | Elise |
| Year Released | 1992 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1590 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 150 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1050 kg | 926 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 3785 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1118 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2380 mm | 2299 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 44 L |
