1991 Lotus Esprit vs. 1978 Volvo 264
To start off, 1991 Lotus Esprit is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Volvo 264. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Volvo 264 would be higher. At 2,664 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Volvo 264 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Lotus Esprit (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1978 Volvo 264. (148 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1991 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1978 Volvo 264. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Volvo 264 weights approximately 281 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 3 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volvo 264. (218 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1991 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volvo 264.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 Lotus Esprit | 1978 Volvo 264 | |
| Make | Lotus | Volvo |
| Model | Esprit | 264 |
| Year Released | 1991 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 2664 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 172 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1175 kg | 1456 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4340 mm | 4910 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 73 L | 60 L |
