1988 Lotus Esprit vs. 2009 Volvo S40
To start off, 2009 Volvo S40 is newer by 21 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), 2009 Volvo S40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Volvo S40 (227 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1988 Lotus Esprit. (215 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volvo S40 should accelerate faster than 1988 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volvo S40 weights approximately 442 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 2009 Volvo S40 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, 2009 Volvo S40 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, 2009 Volvo S40 (320 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Lotus Esprit. (298 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2009 Volvo S40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Lotus Esprit. 2009 Volvo S40 has automatic transmission and 1988 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1988 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Volvo S40 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Lotus Esprit | 2009 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | Lotus | Volvo |
| Model | Esprit | S40 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| 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 | 227 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 18.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1188 kg | 1630 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 57 L |
