1987 Lotus Esprit vs. 1994 Volvo 460
To start off, 1994 Volvo 460 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Lotus Esprit 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 53 more horse power than 1994 Volvo 460. (119 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1994 Volvo 460. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 14 kg more than 1994 Volvo 460. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1987 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 1987 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1994 Volvo 460, 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, 1987 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 1994 Volvo 460. (175 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1987 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1994 Volvo 460.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Lotus Esprit | 1994 Volvo 460 | |
| Make | Lotus | Volvo |
| Model | Esprit | 460 |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1994 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1721 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 172 HP | 119 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 83.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.9:1 | 8.1:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1104 kg | 1090 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4340 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1140 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 60 L |
