2009 Honda Civic vs. 1971 Lotus Seven
To start off, 2009 Honda Civic is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Lotus Seven. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Lotus Seven 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 56 more horse power than 1971 Lotus Seven. (85 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1971 Lotus Seven. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Honda Civic weights approximately 867 kg more than 1971 Lotus Seven. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1971 Lotus Seven 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 1971 Lotus Seven. 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) has 82 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Lotus Seven. (92 Nm). This means 2009 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Lotus Seven.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Honda Civic | 1971 Lotus Seven | |
| Make | Honda | Lotus |
| Model | Civic | Seven |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1971 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1799 cc | 1340 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 92 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87.3 mm | 63 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| 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 | 1461 kg | 594 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 3720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1090 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2240 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 34 L |
