1991 Lotus Esprit vs. 1960 Volvo 120
To start off, 1991 Lotus Esprit is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1960 Volvo 120. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1960 Volvo 120 would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1991 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Lotus Esprit (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 113 more horse power than 1960 Volvo 120. (59 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1991 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1960 Volvo 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1991 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 180 kg more than 1960 Volvo 120. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1991 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 105 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Volvo 120. (116 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1991 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 Volvo 120.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 Lotus Esprit | 1960 Volvo 120 | |
| Make | Lotus | Volvo |
| Model | Esprit | 120 |
| Year Released | 1991 | 1960 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1582 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 172 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 116 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1175 kg | 995 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4340 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 73 L | 68 L |
