1971 Volvo 145 vs. 2011 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2011 Lotus Elise is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Volvo 145. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Volvo 145 would be higher. At 1,800 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Lotus Elise (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 86 more horse power than 1971 Volvo 145. (103 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1971 Volvo 145. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Volvo 145 weights approximately 378 kg more than 2011 Lotus Elise.
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, 2011 Lotus Elise (180 Nm @ 6800 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Volvo 145. (152 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2011 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Volvo 145.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Volvo 145 | 2011 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Volvo | Lotus |
| Model | 145 | Elise |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1778 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 103 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 152 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1290 kg | 912 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 3785 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1118 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2299 mm |
