1994 Honda Civic vs. 2002 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2002 Lotus Elise is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1994 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1994 Honda Civic would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Lotus Elise (134 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1994 Honda Civic. (111 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1994 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1994 Honda Civic weights approximately 369 kg more than 2002 Lotus Elise.
Because 2002 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 2002 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1994 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 Elise (175 Nm @ 4850 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 1994 Honda Civic. (140 Nm @ 5100 RPM). This means 2002 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1994 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1994 Honda Civic | 2002 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Honda | Lotus |
| Model | Civic | Elise |
| Year Released | 1994 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 111 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5100 RPM | 4850 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Top Speed | 172 km/hour | 208 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1125 kg | 756 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 38 L |
