1990 Lotus Esprit vs. 2008 Volvo S60
To start off, 2008 Volvo S60 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,399 cc (5 cylinders), 2008 Volvo S60 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Lotus Esprit (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 2008 Volvo S60. (128 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2008 Volvo S60. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volvo S60 weights approximately 394 kg more than 1990 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1990 Lotus Esprit 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 1990 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Volvo S60, 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, 2008 Volvo S60 (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 59 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2008 Volvo S60 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Lotus Esprit | 2008 Volvo S60 | |
| Make | Lotus | Volvo |
| Model | Esprit | S60 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 2399 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 172 HP | 128 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1175 kg | 1569 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2720 mm |
