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 1,558 cc (4 cylinders), 1968 Lotus Elan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Lotus Elan (116 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 2005 Honda Civic. (100 HP @ 5800 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. 2005 Honda Civic weights approximately 246 kg more than 1968 Lotus Elan.
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, 1968 Lotus Elan (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Honda Civic. (139 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1968 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Honda Civic.
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 | 1492 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 139 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1096 kg | 850 kg |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 45 L |
