1991 Lotus Esprit vs. 2011 Volvo V70
To start off, 2011 Volvo V70 is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1991 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1991 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 3,192 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Volvo V70 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Volvo V70 (232 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 1991 Lotus Esprit. (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Volvo V70 should accelerate faster than 1991 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1991 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 1991 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Volvo V70, 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, 2011 Volvo V70 (236 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2011 Volvo V70 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1991 Lotus Esprit. 2011 Volvo V70 has automatic transmission and 1991 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1991 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Volvo V70 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 Lotus Esprit | 2011 Volvo V70 | |
| Make | Lotus | Volvo |
| Model | Esprit | V70 |
| Year Released | 1991 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 3192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 172 HP | 232 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 236 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4340 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1550 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2820 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 73 L | 60 L |
