1997 Honda Civic vs. 2001 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2001 Lotus Exige is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Honda Civic would be higher. At 1,832 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Lotus Exige (177 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 1997 Honda Civic. (138 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1997 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Honda Civic weights approximately 390 kg more than 2001 Lotus Exige.
Because 2001 Lotus Exige 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 2001 Lotus Exige. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 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, both vehicles can yield 174 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Honda Civic | 2001 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | Honda | Lotus |
| Model | Civic | Exige |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1832 cc | 1794 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 177 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 780 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4580 mm | 3800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1190 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2310 mm |
