1995 Lotus Esprit vs. 2008 Volvo V50
To start off, 2008 Volvo V50 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1995 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1995 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1995 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Lotus Esprit (301 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 167 more horse power than 2008 Volvo V50. (134 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1995 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2008 Volvo V50. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volvo V50 weights approximately 169 kg more than 1995 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1995 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 1995 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Volvo V50, 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, 1995 Lotus Esprit (380 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volvo V50. (340 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1995 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volvo V50.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 Lotus Esprit | 2008 Volvo V50 | |
| Make | Lotus | Volvo |
| Model | Esprit | V50 |
| Year Released | 1995 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 301 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 380 Nm | 340 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4100 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 18.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 266 km/hour | 210 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1315 kg | 1484 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4420 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 73 L | 62 L |
