1980 Lotus Esprit vs. 2007 Volvo V50
To start off, 2007 Volvo V50 is newer by 27 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 2,519 cc (5 cylinders), 2007 Volvo V50 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Volvo V50 (217 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (208 HP @ 6250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Volvo V50 should accelerate faster than 1980 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Volvo V50 weights approximately 273 kg more than 1980 Lotus Esprit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2007 Volvo V50 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1980 Lotus Esprit. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 Volvo V50 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2007 Volvo V50 (320 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (277 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2007 Volvo V50 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Lotus Esprit | 2007 Volvo V50 | |
| Make | Lotus | Volvo |
| Model | Esprit | V50 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2172 cc | 2519 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 217 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 | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1206 kg | 1479 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 62 L |
