1969 Lotus Elan vs. 1996 Volvo 960
To start off, 1996 Volvo 960 is newer by 27 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 2,472 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Volvo 960 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Volvo 960 (168 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 1969 Lotus Elan. (116 HP @ 6250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Volvo 960 should accelerate faster than 1969 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Volvo 960 weights approximately 650 kg more than 1969 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, 1996 Volvo 960 (233 Nm @ 4550 RPM) has 87 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Elan. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 Volvo 960 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Lotus Elan | 1996 Volvo 960 | |
| Make | Lotus | Volvo |
| Model | Elan | 960 |
| Year Released | 1969 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 2472 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4550 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 850 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2780 mm |
