1963 Lotus Elan vs. 1994 Volvo 850
To start off, 1994 Volvo 850 is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,984 cc (5 cylinders), 1994 Volvo 850 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1994 Volvo 850 (124 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1963 Lotus Elan. (100 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1994 Volvo 850 should accelerate faster than 1963 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1994 Volvo 850 weights approximately 741 kg more than 1963 Lotus Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1963 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 1963 Lotus Elan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1994 Volvo 850, 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, 1994 Volvo 850 (170 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 Lotus Elan. (138 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1994 Volvo 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 Lotus Elan | 1994 Volvo 850 | |
| Make | Lotus | Volvo |
| Model | Elan | 850 |
| Year Released | 1963 | 1994 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 124 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 138 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.7 mm | 77 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 594 kg | 1335 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 58 L |
