1997 Honda Civic vs. 2002 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2002 Lotus Elise is newer by 5 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, 1997 Honda Civic (138 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 2002 Lotus Elise. (134 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 2002 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Honda Civic weights approximately 414 kg more than 2002 Lotus Elise. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2002 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 2002 Lotus Elise. 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, 2002 Lotus Elise (175 Nm @ 4850 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Honda Civic. (174 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2002 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Honda Civic | 2002 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Honda | Lotus |
| Model | Civic | Elise |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1832 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4850 RPM |
| 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 | 756 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4580 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2310 mm |
