2005 Honda Civic vs. 1964 Lotus Elan
To start off, 2005 Honda Civic is newer by 41 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1964 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1964 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Honda Civic (197 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 97 more horse power than 1964 Lotus Elan. (100 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1964 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Honda Civic weights approximately 670 kg more than 1964 Lotus Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1964 Lotus Elan 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 1964 Lotus Elan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 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, 2005 Honda Civic (192 Nm @ 5900 RPM) has 54 more torque (in Nm) than 1964 Lotus Elan. (138 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2005 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1964 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Honda Civic | 1964 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Honda | Lotus |
| Model | Civic | Elan |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1964 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 192 Nm | 138 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5900 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 72.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 235 km/hour | 185 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1260 kg | 590 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4150 mm | 3700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2140 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 45 L |
