1984 Lotus Esprit vs. 1968 Volvo 120
To start off, 1984 Lotus Esprit is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Volvo 120. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Volvo 120 would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1984 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1984 Lotus Esprit (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 1968 Volvo 120. (104 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1984 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1968 Volvo 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 57 kg more than 1968 Volvo 120. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1984 Lotus Esprit (217 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Volvo 120. (152 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1984 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Volvo 120.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Lotus Esprit | 1968 Volvo 120 | |
| Make | Lotus | Volvo |
| Model | Esprit | 120 |
| Year Released | 1984 | 1968 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1777 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 152 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 84.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 80 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1067 kg | 1010 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 45 L |
