1978 Volvo 164 vs. 2010 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2010 Lotus Elise is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Volvo 164. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Volvo 164 would be higher. At 2,998 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Volvo 164 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Lotus Elise (433 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 295 more horse power than 1978 Volvo 164. (138 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1978 Volvo 164.
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, 2010 Lotus Elise (489 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 285 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volvo 164. (204 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2010 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volvo 164.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Volvo 164 | 2010 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Volvo | Lotus |
| Model | 164 | Elise |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2998 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 433 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 204 Nm | 489 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 5610 mm | 4882 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1915 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1354 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3350 mm | 2941 mm |
