1996 Honda Civic vs. 1971 Lotus Seven
To start off, 1996 Honda Civic is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Lotus Seven. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Lotus Seven would be higher. At 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Honda Civic (127 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1971 Lotus Seven. (85 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1971 Lotus Seven. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Honda Civic weights approximately 616 kg more than 1971 Lotus Seven. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1971 Lotus Seven 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 1971 Lotus Seven. 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, 1996 Honda Civic (145 Nm) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Lotus Seven. (92 Nm). This means 1996 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Lotus Seven.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda Civic | 1971 Lotus Seven | |
| Make | Honda | Lotus |
| Model | Civic | Seven |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1971 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1340 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 127 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 92 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 63 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1210 kg | 594 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 3720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1090 mm |
