1980 Lotus Esprit vs. 1981 Volvo 260
To start off, 1981 Volvo 260 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,849 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Volvo 260 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Lotus Esprit (208 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1981 Volvo 260. (153 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1981 Volvo 260. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Volvo 260 weights approximately 164 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 (277 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volvo 260. (231 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1980 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volvo 260.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Lotus Esprit | 1981 Volvo 260 | |
| Make | Lotus | Volvo |
| Model | Esprit | 260 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2172 cc | 2849 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 277 Nm | 231 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 91 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 73 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1206 kg | 1370 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2660 mm |
