1980 Lotus Esprit vs. 2006 Volvo S80
To start off, 2006 Volvo S80 is newer by 26 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 2,520 cc (5 cylinders), 2006 Volvo S80 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Lotus Esprit (208 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 2006 Volvo S80. (207 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2006 Volvo S80. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Volvo S80 weights approximately 370 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, 2006 Volvo S80, 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, 2006 Volvo S80 (320 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (277 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2006 Volvo S80 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Lotus Esprit | 2006 Volvo S80 | |
| Make | Lotus | Volvo |
| Model | Esprit | S80 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2172 cc | 2520 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 207 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 277 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 93.2 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 | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1206 kg | 1576 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 80 L |
