1999 Lotus Elise vs. 2009 Honda Civic
To start off, 2009 Honda Civic is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Lotus Elise would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Lotus Elise (118 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 2009 Honda Civic. (108 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2009 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Honda Civic weights approximately 472 kg more than 1999 Lotus Elise.
Because 1999 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 1999 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 1999 Lotus Elise (165 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Honda Civic. (152 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1999 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Honda Civic. 2009 Honda Civic has automatic transmission and 1999 Lotus Elise has manual transmission. 1999 Lotus Elise will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Honda Civic will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Lotus Elise | 2009 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Lotus | Honda |
| Model | Elise | Civic |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1590 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 152 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.4 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 708 kg | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2690 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 13.3 L/100km | 6.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 50 L |
