2009 Honda Civic vs. 2007 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2009 Honda Civic is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2007 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2007 Lotus Elise would be higher. At 1,799 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Lotus Elise (190 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 2009 Honda Civic. (140 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 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 565 kg more than 2007 Lotus Elise.
Because 2007 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 2007 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, 2007 Lotus Elise (187 Nm @ 6800 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Honda Civic. (174 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2007 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 | 2007 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Honda | Lotus |
| Model | Civic | Elise |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1799 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 187 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1461 kg | 896 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 6.9 L/100km | 8.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 9.1 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.1 L/100km | 9.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 40 L |
