1995 Lotus Esprit vs. 1974 Volvo 164
To start off, 1995 Lotus Esprit is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Volvo 164. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Volvo 164 would be higher. At 2,978 cc (6 cylinders), 1974 Volvo 164 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Lotus Esprit (286 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 144 more horse power than 1974 Volvo 164. (142 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1995 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1974 Volvo 164. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Volvo 164 weights approximately 21 kg more than 1995 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, 1995 Lotus Esprit (354 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 132 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Volvo 164. (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1995 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Volvo 164.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 Lotus Esprit | 1974 Volvo 164 | |
| Make | Lotus | Volvo |
| Model | Esprit | 164 |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 2978 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 286 HP | 142 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 354 Nm | 222 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 80 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1339 kg | 1360 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 73 L | 58 L |
