2004 Honda Civic vs. 1988 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2004 Honda Civic is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Lotus Esprit (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 2004 Honda Civic. (115 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2004 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 36 kg more than 2004 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 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 1988 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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, 1988 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm) has 77 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Honda Civic. (144 Nm). This means 1988 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Honda Civic. 2004 Honda Civic has automatic transmission and 1988 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1988 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Honda Civic will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Honda Civic | 1988 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Honda | Lotus |
| Model | Civic | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1686 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1176 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2440 mm |
