1996 Honda Civic vs. 2007 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2007 Lotus Elise is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Honda Civic would be higher. At 1,794 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Lotus Elise (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 1996 Honda Civic. (127 HP @ 6600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1996 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Honda Civic weights approximately 260 kg more than 2007 Lotus Elise.
Because 2007 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 2007 Lotus Elise. 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, 2007 Lotus Elise (180 Nm @ 6800 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda Civic. (145 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2007 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda Civic | 2007 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Honda | Lotus |
| Model | Civic | Elise |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1794 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 127 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 85 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| 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 | 950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1120 mm |
