1996 Honda Civic vs. 1987 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1996 Honda Civic is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1987 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Lotus Esprit (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1996 Honda Civic. (127 HP @ 6600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1996 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Honda Civic weights approximately 106 kg more than 1987 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1987 Lotus Esprit 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 1987 Lotus Esprit. 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, 1987 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 76 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda Civic. (145 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1987 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda Civic | 1987 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Honda | Lotus |
| Model | Civic | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1987 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 127 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 76.2 mm |
| 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 | 1104 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 4340 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1140 mm |
