1991 Lotus Esprit vs. 1969 Volvo 164
To start off, 1991 Lotus Esprit is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Volvo 164. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Volvo 164 would be higher. At 2,976 cc (6 cylinders), 1969 Volvo 164 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Lotus Esprit (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 1969 Volvo 164. (129 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1991 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1969 Volvo 164. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1969 Volvo 164 weights approximately 185 kg more than 1991 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, 1991 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Volvo 164. (210 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1991 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Volvo 164.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 Lotus Esprit | 1969 Volvo 164 | |
| Make | Lotus | Volvo |
| Model | Esprit | 164 |
| Year Released | 1991 | 1969 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 2976 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 172 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1175 kg | 1360 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4340 mm | 4720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2730 mm |
