1998 Honda Civic vs. 1991 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1998 Honda Civic is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1991 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1991 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1991 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Lotus Esprit (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 1998 Honda Civic. (105 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1991 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1998 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1991 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 75 kg more than 1998 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1991 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 1991 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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, 1991 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 81 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Honda Civic. (140 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1991 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Honda Civic | 1991 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Honda | Lotus |
| Model | Civic | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1991 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1590 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 105 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1100 kg | 1175 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 4340 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1160 mm |
