2007 Honda Civic vs. 2009 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2009 Lotus Elise is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2007 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2007 Honda Civic would be higher. At 1,799 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Honda Civic (140 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 2009 Lotus Elise. (120 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 2009 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Honda Civic weights approximately 704 kg more than 2009 Lotus Elise. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 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 2009 Lotus Elise. 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 (174 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Lotus Elise. (168 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2007 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Honda Civic | 2009 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Honda | Lotus |
| Model | Civic | Elise |
| Year Released | 2007 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1799 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 16.7:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1586 kg | 882 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.1 L/100km | 8.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 32 L |
