2009 Honda Civic vs. 1999 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2009 Honda Civic is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 3,506 cc (8 cylinders), 1999 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Lotus Esprit (349 HP) has 250 more horse power than 2009 Honda Civic. (99 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1999 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 786 kg more than 1999 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1999 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 1999 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, 1999 Lotus Esprit (351 Nm) has 131 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Honda Civic. (220 Nm). This means 1999 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 | 1999 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Honda | Lotus |
| Model | Civic | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1686 cc | 3506 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 99 HP | 349 HP |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 351 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 177 km/hour | 276 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1461 kg | 675 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4150 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1990 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2310 mm |
