1981 Lotus Esprit vs. 1984 Volvo 360
To start off, 1984 Volvo 360 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,172 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Lotus Esprit (208 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 107 more horse power than 1984 Volvo 360. (101 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1984 Volvo 360. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 161 kg more than 1984 Volvo 360. 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 (277 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 117 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Volvo 360. (160 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1981 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Volvo 360.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lotus Esprit | 1984 Volvo 360 | |
| Make | Lotus | Volvo |
| Model | Esprit | 360 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1984 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2172 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 277 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 1039 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4420 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 71 L | 57 L |
