1988 Lotus Esprit vs. 2005 Volvo S60
To start off, 2005 Volvo S60 is newer by 17 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 2,319 cc (5 cylinders), 2005 Volvo S60 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Volvo S60 (247 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 1988 Lotus Esprit. (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Volvo S60 should accelerate faster than 1988 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Volvo S60 weights approximately 361 kg more than 1988 Lotus Esprit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2005 Volvo S60, 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, 2005 Volvo S60 (340 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 119 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2005 Volvo S60 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Lotus Esprit | 2005 Volvo S60 | |
| Make | Lotus | Volvo |
| Model | Esprit | S60 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 2319 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 172 HP | 247 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 340 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| 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 | 1537 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2720 mm |
