2007 Honda Civic vs. 1969 Lotus Elan
To start off, 2007 Honda Civic is newer by 38 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 2,204 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Honda Civic (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1969 Lotus Elan. (118 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1969 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Honda Civic weights approximately 533 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, 2007 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, 2007 Honda Civic (341 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 195 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Elan. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2007 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Honda Civic | 1969 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Honda | Lotus |
| Model | Civic | Elan |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1969 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2204 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 341 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 97.1 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Top Speed | 205 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1422 kg | 889 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 59 L |
