1980 Lotus Esprit vs. 1976 Volvo 260
To start off, 1980 Lotus Esprit is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Volvo 260. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Volvo 260 would be higher. At 2,664 cc (6 cylinders), 1976 Volvo 260 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Lotus Esprit (210 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 1976 Volvo 260. (148 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1976 Volvo 260. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Volvo 260 weights approximately 131 kg more than 1980 Lotus Esprit.
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 (271 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Volvo 260. (218 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1980 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Volvo 260.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Lotus Esprit | 1976 Volvo 260 | |
| Make | Lotus | Volvo |
| Model | Esprit | 260 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 2664 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.4 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1219 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2660 mm |
