1988 Lotus Esprit vs. 2003 Volvo V70
To start off, 2003 Volvo V70 is newer by 15 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 2,521 cc (5 cylinders), 2003 Volvo V70 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Lotus Esprit (215 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 2003 Volvo V70. (207 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2003 Volvo V70. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Volvo V70 weights approximately 474 kg more than 1988 Lotus Esprit.
Because 2003 Volvo V70 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1988 Lotus Esprit. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Volvo V70 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2003 Volvo V70 (320 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Lotus Esprit. (298 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2003 Volvo V70 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Lotus Esprit | 2003 Volvo V70 | |
| Make | Lotus | Volvo |
| Model | Esprit | V70 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 2521 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 207 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1188 kg | 1662 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1570 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 80 L |
