1989 Lotus Esprit vs. 1979 Volvo 265
To start off, 1989 Lotus Esprit is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Volvo 265. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Volvo 265 would be higher. At 2,662 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Volvo 265 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Lotus Esprit (216 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 1979 Volvo 265. (148 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1979 Volvo 265. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Volvo 265 weights approximately 252 kg more than 1989 Lotus Esprit.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front 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, 1989 Lotus Esprit (298 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Volvo 265. (218 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1989 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Volvo 265. 1979 Volvo 265 has automatic transmission and 1989 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1989 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Volvo 265 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Lotus Esprit | 1979 Volvo 265 | |
| Make | Lotus | Volvo |
| Model | Esprit | 265 |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 2662 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 216 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1148 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2660 mm |
