2005 Honda Civic vs. 1996 Lotus Elan
To start off, 2005 Honda Civic is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,672 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Lotus Elan (163 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 2005 Honda Civic. (100 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 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 450 kg more than 1996 Lotus Elan.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 (220 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Lotus Elan. (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2005 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Honda Civic | 1996 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Honda | Lotus |
| Model | Civic | Elan |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1672 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 204 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1470 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4150 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2260 mm |
