1980 Lotus Esprit vs. 2005 Volvo V70
To start off, 2005 Volvo V70 is newer by 25 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 2,172 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Lotus Esprit (208 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 2005 Volvo V70. (178 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2005 Volvo V70. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Volvo V70 weights approximately 408 kg more than 1980 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1980 Lotus Esprit is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1980 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Volvo V70, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 37 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Volvo V70. (240 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1980 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Volvo V70.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Lotus Esprit | 2005 Volvo V70 | |
| Make | Lotus | Volvo |
| Model | Esprit | V70 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2172 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 178 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 277 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 77 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1206 kg | 1614 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2870 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 70 L |
