1969 Lotus Elan vs. 1980 Volvo 265
To start off, 1980 Volvo 265 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 2,315 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 Volvo 265 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Lotus Elan (118 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 1980 Volvo 265. (82 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1969 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1980 Volvo 265. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Volvo 265 weights approximately 611 kg more than 1969 Lotus Elan.
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, 1969 Lotus Elan (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volvo 265. (145 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1969 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volvo 265.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Lotus Elan | 1980 Volvo 265 | |
| Make | Lotus | Volvo |
| Model | Elan | 265 |
| Year Released | 1969 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 2315 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 82 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 23.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 889 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 58 L |
