1991 Lotus Esprit vs. 1985 Volvo 780
To start off, 1991 Lotus Esprit is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Volvo 780. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Volvo 780 would be higher. At 2,383 cc (6 cylinders), 1985 Volvo 780 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Lotus Esprit (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1985 Volvo 780. (127 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1991 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1985 Volvo 780. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Volvo 780 weights approximately 295 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, 1985 Volvo 780 (250 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1985 Volvo 780 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1991 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 Lotus Esprit | 1985 Volvo 780 | |
| Make | Lotus | Volvo |
| Model | Esprit | 780 |
| Year Released | 1991 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 2383 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 172 HP | 127 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1175 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4340 mm | 4800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2780 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 73 L | 80 L |
