1989 Lotus Elan vs. 1956 Volvo P 1900
To start off, 1989 Lotus Elan is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Volvo P 1900. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Volvo P 1900 would be higher. At 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Lotus Elan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Lotus Elan (165 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 103 more horse power than 1956 Volvo P 1900. (62 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1956 Volvo P 1900. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Lotus Elan weights approximately 160 kg more than 1956 Volvo P 1900. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1956 Volvo P 1900 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 1956 Volvo P 1900. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Lotus Elan, 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, 1989 Lotus Elan (201 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 98 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Volvo P 1900. (103 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1989 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Volvo P 1900.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Lotus Elan | 1956 Volvo P 1900 | |
| Make | Lotus | Volvo |
| Model | Elan | P 1900 |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1956 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1414 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 165 HP | 62 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 201 Nm | 103 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 860 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2610 mm |
