1966 Lotus Elan vs. 1984 Volvo 740
To start off, 1984 Volvo 740 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,986 cc (4 cylinders), 1984 Volvo 740 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1984 Volvo 740 (197 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 1966 Lotus Elan. (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1984 Volvo 740 should accelerate faster than 1966 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 Volvo 740 weights approximately 744 kg more than 1966 Lotus Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1984 Volvo 740 (296 Nm @ 2950 RPM) has 149 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Lotus Elan. (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1984 Volvo 740 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Lotus Elan | 1984 Volvo 740 | |
| Make | Lotus | Volvo |
| Model | Elan | 740 |
| Year Released | 1966 | 1984 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1557 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 147 Nm | 296 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2950 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 80 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 696 kg | 1440 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2780 mm |
