2008 Honda Civic vs. 1989 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2008 Honda Civic is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Lotus Esprit (216 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 117 more horse power than 2008 Honda Civic. (99 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2008 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Honda Civic weights approximately 206 kg more than 1989 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1989 Lotus Esprit 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 1989 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 1989 Lotus Esprit (298 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 78 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Honda Civic. (220 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1989 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Honda Civic | 1989 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Honda | Lotus |
| Model | Civic | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1686 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 99 HP | 216 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 298 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 182 km/hour | 245 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1354 kg | 1148 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2440 mm |
