1974 Lotus Elite vs. 1979 Volvo 260
To start off, 1979 Volvo 260 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Lotus Elite. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Lotus Elite would be higher. At 2,664 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Volvo 260 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Volvo 260 (146 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1974 Lotus Elite. (142 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Volvo 260 should accelerate faster than 1974 Lotus Elite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Volvo 260 weights approximately 290 kg more than 1974 Lotus Elite. 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, 1979 Volvo 260 (218 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Lotus Elite. (177 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1979 Volvo 260 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Lotus Elite.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Lotus Elite | 1979 Volvo 260 | |
| Make | Lotus | Volvo |
| Model | Elite | 260 |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1973 cc | 2664 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 142 HP | 146 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 177 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1060 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2660 mm |
