2008 Honda Civic vs. 1962 Lotus Elan
To start off, 2008 Honda Civic is newer by 46 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,799 cc, 2008 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Honda Civic (139 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 1962 Lotus Elan. (100 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1962 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Honda Civic weights approximately 690 kg more than 1962 Lotus Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1962 Lotus Elan 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 1962 Lotus Elan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 2008 Honda Civic (174 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Lotus Elan. (138 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
2008 Honda Civic | 1962 Lotus Elan | |
Make | Honda | Lotus |
Model | Civic | Elan |
Year Released | 2008 | 1962 |
Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1799 cc | 1496 cc |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 139 HP | 100 HP |
Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5700 RPM |
Torque | 174 Nm | 138 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 81 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 87.3 mm | 72.7 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 9.5:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 590 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 3700 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1690 mm | 1110 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2140 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 45 L |