1989 Lotus Elan vs. 2007 Volvo V50
To start off, 2007 Volvo V50 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Volvo V50 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Lotus Elan (165 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 2007 Volvo V50. (134 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 2007 Volvo V50. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Volvo V50 weights approximately 468 kg more than 1989 Lotus Elan.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2007 Volvo V50 (340 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 139 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Lotus Elan. (201 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2007 Volvo V50 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Lotus Elan | 2007 Volvo V50 | |
| Make | Lotus | Volvo |
| Model | Elan | V50 |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 165 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 201 Nm | 340 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.1 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.2:1 | 18.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1488 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 62 L |
