2004 Honda Civic vs. 1994 Lotus Elan
To start off, 2004 Honda Civic is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1994 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1994 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 1994 Lotus Elan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1994 Lotus Elan (163 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 78 more horse power than 2004 Honda Civic. (85 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1994 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 2004 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1994 Lotus Elan weights approximately 180 kg more than 2004 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1994 Lotus Elan (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Honda Civic. (130 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1994 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 | 1994 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Honda | Lotus |
| Model | Civic | Elan |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1994 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1335 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 130 Nm | 204 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 840 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4150 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2260 mm |
