1988 Lotus Esprit vs. 1992 Volvo 850
To start off, 1992 Volvo 850 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,435 cc (5 cylinders), 1992 Volvo 850 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Lotus Esprit (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1992 Volvo 850. (167 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1992 Volvo 850. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1992 Volvo 850 weights approximately 264 kg more than 1988 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1988 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 1988 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1992 Volvo 850, 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, 1992 Volvo 850 (230 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1992 Volvo 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Lotus Esprit | 1992 Volvo 850 | |
| Make | Lotus | Volvo |
| Model | Esprit | 850 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1992 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 2435 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 172 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1176 kg | 1440 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2510 mm |
