1988 Lotus Esprit vs. 1980 Volvo 265
To start off, 1988 Lotus Esprit is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Volvo 265. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Volvo 265 would be higher. At 2,315 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 Volvo 265 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Lotus Esprit (215 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 133 more horse power than 1980 Volvo 265. (82 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1980 Volvo 265. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Volvo 265 weights approximately 312 kg more than 1988 Lotus Esprit.
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, 1988 Lotus Esprit (298 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 153 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volvo 265. (145 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1988 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volvo 265.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Lotus Esprit | 1980 Volvo 265 | |
| Make | Lotus | Volvo |
| Model | Esprit | 265 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 2315 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 82 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 23.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1188 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 58 L |
