1981 Lotus Esprit vs. 2002 Volvo C70
To start off, 2002 Volvo C70 is newer by 21 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 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Volvo C70 (162 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Volvo C70 should accelerate faster than 1981 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Volvo C70 weights approximately 280 kg more than 1981 Lotus Esprit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 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 1981 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Volvo C70, 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, 2002 Volvo C70 (230 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2002 Volvo C70 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lotus Esprit. 2002 Volvo C70 has automatic transmission and 1981 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1981 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Volvo C70 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lotus Esprit | 2002 Volvo C70 | |
| Make | Lotus | Volvo |
| Model | Esprit | C70 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 162 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 68 L |
