1980 Lotus Esprit vs. 1982 Volvo 260
To start off, 1982 Volvo 260 is newer by 2 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), 1982 Volvo 260 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Lotus Esprit (210 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 1982 Volvo 260. (153 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1982 Volvo 260. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Volvo 260 weights approximately 151 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 41 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Volvo 260. (230 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1980 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Volvo 260.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Lotus Esprit | 1982 Volvo 260 | |
| Make | Lotus | Volvo |
| Model | Esprit | 260 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1982 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 2849 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.4 mm | 91 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 73 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1219 kg | 1370 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 |
