1969 Lotus Elan vs. 1995 Volvo 440
To start off, 1995 Volvo 440 is newer by 26 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 1,596 cc (4 cylinders), 1995 Volvo 440 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Lotus Elan (118 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1995 Volvo 440. (83 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1969 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1995 Volvo 440. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Volvo 440 weights approximately 136 kg more than 1969 Lotus Elan.
Because 1969 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 1969 Lotus Elan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1995 Volvo 440, 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, 1969 Lotus Elan (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 Volvo 440. (125 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1969 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 Volvo 440.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Lotus Elan | 1995 Volvo 440 | |
| Make | Lotus | Volvo |
| Model | Elan | 440 |
| Year Released | 1969 | 1995 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 83 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 83.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 889 kg | 1025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 60 L |
