1962 Lotus Elan vs. 2007 Volvo C70
To start off, 2007 Volvo C70 is newer by 45 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 1,984 cc (5 cylinders), 2007 Volvo C70 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Volvo C70 (161 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 1962 Lotus Elan. (100 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Volvo C70 should accelerate faster than 1962 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Volvo C70 weights approximately 1068 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, 2007 Volvo C70, 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, 2007 Volvo C70 (230 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 92 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Lotus Elan. (138 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2007 Volvo C70 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Lotus Elan. 2007 Volvo C70 has automatic transmission and 1962 Lotus Elan has manual transmission. 1962 Lotus Elan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2007 Volvo C70 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 Lotus Elan | 2007 Volvo C70 | |
| Make | Lotus | Volvo |
| Model | Elan | C70 |
| Year Released | 1962 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1496 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 138 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 81.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.7 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 8.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 590 kg | 1658 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 4720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 68 L |
