2004 Honda Civic vs. 2007 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2007 Lotus Elise is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Honda Civic would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Lotus Elise (120 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 2004 Honda Civic. (116 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2004 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Honda Civic weights approximately 372 kg more than 2007 Lotus Elise.
Because 2007 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 2007 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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, 2007 Lotus Elise (169 Nm) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Honda Civic. (144 Nm). This means 2007 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Honda Civic | 2007 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Honda | Lotus |
| Model | Civic | Elise |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1599 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 169 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1157 kg | 785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.4 L/100km | 7.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 38 L |
