1996 Honda Civic vs. 1983 Lotus Excel
To start off, 1996 Honda Civic is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Lotus Excel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Lotus Excel would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1983 Lotus Excel is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Lotus Excel (160 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 1996 Honda Civic. (112 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1983 Lotus Excel should accelerate faster than 1996 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Lotus Excel weights approximately 133 kg more than 1996 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1983 Lotus Excel 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 1983 Lotus Excel. 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, 1983 Lotus Excel (218 Nm @ 5250 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda Civic. (138 Nm @ 5200 RPM). This means 1983 Lotus Excel will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda Civic | 1983 Lotus Excel | |
| Make | Honda | Lotus |
| Model | Civic | Excel |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1983 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1493 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 112 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 138 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5200 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.5 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1002 kg | 1135 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1020 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 31 L |
