1959 Lotus Elite vs. 1980 Volvo 66
To start off, 1980 Volvo 66 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Lotus Elite. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Lotus Elite would be higher. At 1,287 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Volvo 66 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Lotus Elite (71 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1980 Volvo 66. (56 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1959 Lotus Elite should accelerate faster than 1980 Volvo 66.
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, 1959 Lotus Elite (104 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volvo 66. (94 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1959 Lotus Elite will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volvo 66. 1980 Volvo 66 has automatic transmission and 1959 Lotus Elite has manual transmission. 1959 Lotus Elite will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1980 Volvo 66 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Lotus Elite | 1980 Volvo 66 | |
| Make | Lotus | Volvo |
| Model | Elite | 66 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1216 cc | 1287 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 71 HP | 56 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 104 Nm | 94 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 3710 mm | 3910 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1550 mm |
