1981 Lotus Esprit vs. 2012 Volvo XC70
To start off, 2012 Volvo XC70 is newer by 31 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 3,200 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Volvo XC70 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volvo XC70 (240 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 81 more horse power than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (159 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volvo XC70 should accelerate faster than 1981 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volvo XC70 weights approximately 814 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, 2012 Volvo XC70, 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, 2012 Volvo XC70 (320 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 99 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2012 Volvo XC70 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lotus Esprit. 2012 Volvo XC70 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. 2012 Volvo XC70 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1981 Lotus Esprit | 2012 Volvo XC70 | |
Make | Lotus | Volvo |
Model | Esprit | XC70 |
Year Released | 1981 | 2012 |
Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
Engine Position | Middle | Front |
Engine Size | 2174 cc | 3200 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 159 HP | 240 HP |
Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6400 RPM |
Torque | 221 Nm | 320 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1067 kg | 1881 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4838 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1862 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1604 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2815 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 70 L |