2009 Honda Civic vs. 1998 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2009 Honda Civic is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Lotus Elise would be higher. At 1,798 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Lotus Elise (187 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 2009 Honda Civic. (138 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2009 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Honda Civic weights approximately 551 kg more than 1998 Lotus Elise.
Because 1998 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 1998 Lotus Elise. 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, 1998 Lotus Elise (193 Nm @ 5600 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Honda Civic. (175 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1998 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Honda Civic | 1998 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Honda | Lotus |
| Model | Civic | Elise |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1798 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 187 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 193 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | 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 | 1265 kg | 714 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4260 mm | 3740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2310 mm |
