2009 Lotus Elise vs. 2010 Honda Civic
To start off, 2010 Honda Civic is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Lotus Elise would be higher. At 1,800 cc (4 cylinders), 2010 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Lotus Elise (186 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 2010 Honda Civic. (140 HP @ 6300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2010 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Honda Civic weights approximately 467 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, 2010 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, 2010 Honda Civic (173 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Lotus Elise. (133 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 2010 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Lotus Elise | 2010 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Lotus | Honda |
| Model | Elise | Civic |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 186 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 133 Nm | 173 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 785 kg | 1252 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 4503 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1753 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1435 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 8.9 L/100km | 6.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.4 L/100km | 9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 50 L |
