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 1,800 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Lotus Elise (190 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 2012 Honda Civic. (140 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2012 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Honda Civic weights approximately 354 kg more than 2005 Lotus Elise.
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, 2005 Lotus Elise (187 Nm) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Honda Civic. (173 Nm). This means 2005 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Honda Civic. 2012 Honda Civic has automatic transmission and 2005 Lotus Elise has manual transmission. 2005 Lotus Elise will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Honda Civic will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
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 | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 187 Nm | 173 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 896 kg | 1250 kg |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 8.7 L/100km | 6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 10.2 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
