2002 Honda Civic vs. 1981 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2002 Honda Civic is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,172 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Lotus Esprit (208 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 2002 Honda Civic. (157 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2002 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Honda Civic weights approximately 64 kg more than 1981 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1981 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 1981 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 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, 1981 Lotus Esprit (277 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 98 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Honda Civic. (179 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1981 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Honda Civic | 1981 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Honda | Lotus |
| Model | Civic | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1999 cc | 2172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 157 HP | 208 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 179 Nm | 277 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4500 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 | 1264 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 71 L |
