1980 Lotus Esprit vs. 1990 Volvo 960
To start off, 1990 Volvo 960 is newer by 10 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 2,383 cc (6 cylinders), 1990 Volvo 960 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Lotus Esprit (210 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 90 more horse power than 1990 Volvo 960. (120 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1990 Volvo 960. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Volvo 960 weights approximately 331 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) has 128 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Volvo 960. (143 Nm). This means 1980 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Volvo 960.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Lotus Esprit | 1990 Volvo 960 | |
| Make | Lotus | Volvo |
| Model | Esprit | 960 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 2383 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 143 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.4 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1219 kg | 1550 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2780 mm |
