1990 Lotus Esprit vs. 1980 Volvo 265
To start off, 1990 Lotus Esprit is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Volvo 265. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Volvo 265 would be higher. At 2,315 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 Volvo 265 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Lotus Esprit (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 90 more horse power than 1980 Volvo 265. (82 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1980 Volvo 265. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Volvo 265 weights approximately 325 kg more than 1990 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, 1990 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 76 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volvo 265. (145 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1990 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volvo 265.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Lotus Esprit | 1980 Volvo 265 | |
| Make | Lotus | Volvo |
| Model | Esprit | 265 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 2315 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 172 HP | 82 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1175 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2660 mm |
