1958 Lotus Elite vs. 1985 Volvo 245
To start off, 1985 Volvo 245 is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Lotus Elite. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Lotus Elite would be higher. At 1,986 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Volvo 245 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Volvo 245 (96 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1958 Lotus Elite. (71 HP @ 6100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Volvo 245 should accelerate faster than 1958 Lotus Elite.
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, 1985 Volvo 245 (157 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 52 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Lotus Elite. (105 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1985 Volvo 245 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Lotus Elite.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Lotus Elite | 1985 Volvo 245 | |
| Make | Lotus | Volvo |
| Model | Elite | 245 |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1216 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 71 HP | 96 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 105 Nm | 157 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76.2 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66.7 mm | 93 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Length | 3770 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2660 mm |
