1982 Lotus Esprit vs. 1993 Volvo 850
To start off, 1993 Volvo 850 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,172 cc (4 cylinders), 1982 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1982 Lotus Esprit (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 1993 Volvo 850. (142 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1982 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1993 Volvo 850. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1993 Volvo 850 weights approximately 353 kg more than 1982 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1982 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 1982 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1993 Volvo 850, 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, 1982 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1993 Volvo 850. (176 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1982 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1993 Volvo 850.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Lotus Esprit | 1993 Volvo 850 | |
| Make | Lotus | Volvo |
| Model | Esprit | 850 |
| Year Released | 1982 | 1993 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2172 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 142 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 176 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1067 kg | 1420 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2670 mm |
