2004 Lotus Elise vs. 2010 Honda Civic
To start off, 2010 Honda Civic is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Lotus Elise would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Lotus Elise (120 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 2010 Honda Civic. (99 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2010 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Honda Civic weights approximately 499 kg more than 2004 Lotus Elise.
Because 2004 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 2004 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2010 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, 2004 Lotus Elise (172 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 Honda Civic. (127 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2004 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 Honda Civic. 2010 Honda Civic has automatic transmission and 2004 Lotus Elise has manual transmission. 2004 Lotus Elise will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2010 Honda Civic will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Lotus Elise | 2010 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Lotus | Honda |
| Model | Elise | Civic |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1339 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 99 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 172 Nm | 127 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 750 kg | 1249 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1785 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1460 mm |
