1996 Honda Civic vs. 1964 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1996 Honda Civic is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1964 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1964 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,498 cc (4 cylinders), 1964 Lotus Elan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1964 Lotus Elan (100 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1996 Honda Civic. (90 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1964 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1996 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Honda Civic weights approximately 375 kg more than 1964 Lotus Elan.
Because 1964 Lotus Elan 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 1964 Lotus Elan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 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, 1964 Lotus Elan (138 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda Civic. (124 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1964 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda Civic | 1964 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Honda | Lotus |
| Model | Civic | Elan |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1964 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1396 cc | 1498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 138 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 965 kg | 590 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 3700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2140 mm |
