1981 Lotus Esprit vs. 1970 Volvo 120
To start off, 1981 Lotus Esprit is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Volvo 120. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Volvo 120 would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Lotus Esprit (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 1970 Volvo 120. (81 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1970 Volvo 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 90 kg more than 1970 Volvo 120. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1981 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 64 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Volvo 120. (157 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1981 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Volvo 120.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lotus Esprit | 1970 Volvo 120 | |
| Make | Lotus | Volvo |
| Model | Esprit | 120 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1970 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 157 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 1030 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2610 mm |
