1988 Lotus Esprit vs. 1996 Volvo 850
To start off, 1996 Volvo 850 is newer by 8 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 2,461 cc (5 cylinders), 1996 Volvo 850 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Lotus Esprit (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1996 Volvo 850. (138 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1996 Volvo 850. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Volvo 850 weights approximately 281 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, 1996 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, 1996 Volvo 850 (290 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 69 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1996 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 | 1996 Volvo 850 | |
| Make | Lotus | Volvo |
| Model | Esprit | 850 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 2461 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 172 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 290 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1176 kg | 1457 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2670 mm |
