1957 Lotus Seven vs. 1986 Volvo 242
To start off, 1986 Volvo 242 is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Lotus Seven. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Lotus Seven would be higher. At 1,986 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Volvo 242 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1957 Lotus Seven (126 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1986 Volvo 242. (97 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1957 Lotus Seven should accelerate faster than 1986 Volvo 242. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Volvo 242 weights approximately 540 kg more than 1957 Lotus Seven.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1986 Volvo 242 (157 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Lotus Seven. (153 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1986 Volvo 242 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Lotus Seven.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Lotus Seven | 1986 Volvo 242 | |
| Make | Lotus | Volvo |
| Model | Seven | 242 |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 126 HP | 97 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 153 Nm | 157 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 750 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3370 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 950 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2190 mm | 2660 mm |
