1981 Lotus Esprit vs. 2007 Volvo V70
To start off, 2007 Volvo V70 is newer by 26 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 2,435 cc (5 cylinders), 2007 Volvo V70 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Lotus Esprit (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 2007 Volvo V70. (138 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2007 Volvo V70. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Volvo V70 weights approximately 449 kg more than 1981 Lotus Esprit.
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, 2007 Volvo V70, 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, 1981 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Volvo V70. (220 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1981 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Volvo V70. 2007 Volvo V70 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. 2007 Volvo V70 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lotus Esprit | 2007 Volvo V70 | |
| Make | Lotus | Volvo |
| Model | Esprit | V70 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 2435 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 1569 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 70 L |
