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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Honda Civic (197 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 2007 Lotus Elise. (120 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 2007 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Honda Civic weights approximately 580 kg more than 2007 Lotus Elise. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2009 Honda Civic (189 Nm @ 6100 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Lotus Elise. (169 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Honda Civic | 2007 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Honda | Lotus |
| Model | Civic | Elise |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 189 Nm | 169 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6100 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1461 kg | 881 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.8 L/100km | 8.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 32 L |
