1980 Lotus Esprit vs. 1996 Volvo 960
To start off, 1996 Volvo 960 is newer by 16 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 2,472 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Volvo 960 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Lotus Esprit (208 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1996 Volvo 960. (168 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1996 Volvo 960. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Volvo 960 weights approximately 294 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 44 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Volvo 960. (233 Nm @ 4550 RPM). This means 1980 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Volvo 960.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Lotus Esprit | 1996 Volvo 960 | |
| Make | Lotus | Volvo |
| Model | Esprit | 960 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2172 cc | 2472 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 277 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4550 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1206 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2780 mm |
