2004 Honda Civic vs. 1989 Lotus Elan
To start off, 2004 Honda Civic is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Lotus Elan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Lotus Elan (165 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 83 more horse power than 2004 Honda Civic. (82 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 2004 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Honda Civic weights approximately 250 kg more than 1989 Lotus Elan.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1989 Lotus Elan (201 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Honda Civic. (152 Nm @ 1000 RPM). This means 1989 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Honda Civic | 1989 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Honda | Lotus |
| Model | Civic | Elan |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1339 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 82 HP | 165 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 152 Nm | 201 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 73 mm | 80.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 8.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1270 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2260 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 65 L |
