2005 Honda Civic vs. 1968 Lotus Elan
To start off, 2005 Honda Civic is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Lotus Elan (116 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 2005 Honda Civic. (104 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1968 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 2005 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Lotus Elan weights approximately 10 kg more than 2005 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1968 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 1968 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 (153 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Lotus Elan. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2005 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Honda Civic | 1968 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Honda | Lotus |
| Model | Civic | Elan |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1968 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 153 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 840 kg | 850 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 45 L |
