2009 Honda Civic vs. 1989 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2009 Honda Civic is newer by 20 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 2,204 cc, 2009 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Lotus Esprit (264 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 126 more horse power than 2009 Honda Civic. (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2009 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Honda Civic weights approximately 54 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, 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, 1989 Lotus Esprit (353 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Honda Civic. (340 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1989 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Honda Civic | 1989 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Honda | Lotus |
| Model | Civic | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2204 cc | 2172 cc |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 264 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 340 Nm | 353 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Top Speed | 200 km/hour | 256 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 | 1383 kg | 1329 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4260 mm | 4340 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 31 L |
