2009 Lotus Elise vs. 2003 Honda Civic
To start off, 2009 Lotus Elise is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Honda Civic would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Lotus Elise (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 81 more horse power than 2003 Honda Civic. (108 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2003 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Honda Civic weights approximately 136 kg more than 2009 Lotus Elise.
Because 2009 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 2009 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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 Lotus Elise (180 Nm @ 6800 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Honda Civic. (135 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2009 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Honda Civic. 2003 Honda Civic has automatic transmission and 2009 Lotus Elise has manual transmission. 2009 Lotus Elise will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Honda Civic will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2009 Lotus Elise | 2003 Honda Civic | |
Make | Lotus | Honda |
Model | Elise | Civic |
Year Released | 2009 | 2003 |
Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
Engine Position | Middle | Front |
Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1590 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 189 HP | 108 HP |
Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 5700 RPM |
Torque | 180 Nm | 135 Nm |
Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 4300 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 9.8:1 |
Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 954 kg | 1090 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4440 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1700 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1410 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2630 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 50 L |