1981 Lotus Esprit vs. 2008 Volvo V50
To start off, 2008 Volvo V50 is newer by 27 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), 2008 Volvo V50 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Lotus Esprit (208 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 2008 Volvo V50. (168 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2008 Volvo V50. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volvo V50 weights approximately 262 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, 2008 Volvo V50, 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 (277 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volvo V50. (232 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1981 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volvo V50. 2008 Volvo V50 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. 2008 Volvo V50 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lotus Esprit | 2008 Volvo V50 | |
| Make | Lotus | Volvo |
| Model | Esprit | V50 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2172 cc | 2435 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 277 Nm | 232 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 1462 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 71 L | 60 L |
