1987 Lotus Esprit vs. 1962 Volvo 120
To start off, 1987 Lotus Esprit is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Volvo 120. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Volvo 120 would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1987 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Lotus Esprit (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 91 more horse power than 1962 Volvo 120. (81 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1962 Volvo 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 94 kg more than 1962 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, 1987 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 79 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Volvo 120. (142 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1987 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Volvo 120.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Lotus Esprit | 1962 Volvo 120 | |
| Make | Lotus | Volvo |
| Model | Esprit | 120 |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1962 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1778 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 172 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 142 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 84.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 80 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1104 kg | 1010 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4340 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1140 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 58 L |
