2009 Honda Civic vs. 1962 Lotus Elan
To start off, 2009 Honda Civic is newer by 47 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,799 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Honda Civic (141 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 1962 Lotus Elan. (100 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1962 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Honda Civic weights approximately 539 kg more than 1962 Lotus Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1962 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 1962 Lotus Elan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 2009 Honda Civic (174 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Lotus Elan. (138 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
2009 Honda Civic | 1962 Lotus Elan | |
Make | Honda | Lotus |
Model | Civic | Elan |
Year Released | 2009 | 1962 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1799 cc | 1496 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 141 HP | 100 HP |
Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5700 RPM |
Torque | 174 Nm | 138 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 81 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 87.3 mm | 72.7 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1129 kg | 590 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 3700 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1430 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1110 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2140 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 45 L |