2005 Honda Civic vs. 2011 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2011 Lotus Elise is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Honda Civic would be higher. At 1,800 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Lotus Elise (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 72 more horse power than 2005 Honda Civic. (117 HP @ 6600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2005 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Honda Civic weights approximately 239 kg more than 2011 Lotus Elise.
Because 2011 Lotus Elise 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 2011 Lotus Elise. 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, 2011 Lotus Elise (180 Nm) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Honda Civic. (151 Nm). This means 2011 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Honda Civic | 2011 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Honda | Lotus |
| Model | Civic | Elise |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1685 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 117 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 151 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1151 kg | 912 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 3785 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1118 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2299 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 6.2 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 7.4 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 44 L |
