2007 Lotus Elise vs. 2011 Honda Civic
To start off, 2011 Honda Civic is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2007 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2007 Lotus Elise would be higher. At 1,800 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Lotus Elise (190 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 2011 Honda Civic. (140 HP @ 6300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2011 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Honda Civic weights approximately 297 kg more than 2007 Lotus Elise.
Because 2007 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 2007 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 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 Lotus Elise (187 Nm @ 6800 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Honda Civic. (173 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2007 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Lotus Elise | 2011 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Lotus | Honda |
| Model | Elise | Civic |
| Year Released | 2007 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 187 Nm | 173 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 896 kg | 1193 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4503 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1753 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1435 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 8.1 L/100km | 6.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 9.8 L/100km | 9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 50 L |
