1980 Lotus Esprit vs. 1969 Volvo 1800
To start off, 1980 Lotus Esprit is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Volvo 1800. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Volvo 1800 would be higher. At 2,172 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Lotus Esprit (208 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 84 more horse power than 1969 Volvo 1800. (124 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1969 Volvo 1800. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 76 kg more than 1969 Volvo 1800. 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, 1980 Lotus Esprit (277 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Volvo 1800. (167 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1980 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Volvo 1800.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Lotus Esprit | 1969 Volvo 1800 | |
| Make | Lotus | Volvo |
| Model | Esprit | 1800 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1969 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2172 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 124 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 277 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 80 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1206 kg | 1130 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 45 L |
