2005 Honda Civic vs. 1969 Lotus Elan
To start off, 2005 Honda Civic is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,686 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Honda Civic (115 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1969 Lotus Elan. (108 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1969 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Honda Civic weights approximately 474 kg more than 1969 Lotus Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1969 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 1969 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 (149 Nm) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Elan. (147 Nm). This means 2005 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Lotus Elan. 2005 Honda Civic has automatic transmission and 1969 Lotus Elan has manual transmission. 1969 Lotus Elan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Honda Civic will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Honda Civic | 1969 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Honda | Lotus |
| Model | Civic | Elan |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1969 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1686 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 149 Nm | 147 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1174 kg | 700 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 3690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1170 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2140 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 45 L |
