2005 Lotus Elise vs. 2012 Honda Civic
To start off, 2012 Honda Civic is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Lotus Elise would be higher. At 2,400 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Honda Civic (201 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 2005 Lotus Elise. (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 2005 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Honda Civic weights approximately 455 kg more than 2005 Lotus Elise. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 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 2005 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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, 2012 Honda Civic (230 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Lotus Elise. (186 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 2012 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Lotus Elise | 2012 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Lotus | Honda |
| Model | Elise | Civic |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 186 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 850 kg | 1305 kg |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 50 L |
