1984 Lotus Esprit vs. 2008 Volvo S80
To start off, 2008 Volvo S80 is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,521 cc (5 cylinders), 2008 Volvo S80 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volvo S80 (207 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1984 Lotus Esprit. (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volvo S80 should accelerate faster than 1984 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volvo S80 weights approximately 511 kg more than 1984 Lotus Esprit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1984 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 1984 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Volvo S80, 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, 2008 Volvo S80 (320 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 103 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Lotus Esprit. (217 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2008 Volvo S80 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Lotus Esprit | 2008 Volvo S80 | |
| Make | Lotus | Volvo |
| Model | Esprit | S80 |
| Year Released | 1984 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 2521 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 207 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 93.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7 seconds | 7.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1067 kg | 1578 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.3 L/100km | 9.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 80 L |
