1969 Lotus Elan vs. 2002 Volvo C70
To start off, 2002 Volvo C70 is newer by 33 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 1,984 cc (5 cylinders), 2002 Volvo C70 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Volvo C70 (162 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1969 Lotus Elan. (118 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Volvo C70 should accelerate faster than 1969 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Volvo C70 weights approximately 511 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.
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, 2002 Volvo C70, 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, 2002 Volvo C70 (230 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 84 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Elan. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2002 Volvo C70 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Lotus Elan | 2002 Volvo C70 | |
| Make | Lotus | Volvo |
| Model | Elan | C70 |
| Year Released | 1969 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 162 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 889 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 68 L |
