1996 Lotus Elan vs. 2008 Volvo S80
To start off, 2008 Volvo S80 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 2,521 cc (5 cylinders), 2008 Volvo S80 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volvo S80 (207 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1996 Lotus Elan. (163 HP @ 6600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volvo S80 should accelerate faster than 1996 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volvo S80 weights approximately 556 kg more than 1996 Lotus Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Volvo S80 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Lotus Elan. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Volvo S80 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2008 Volvo S80 (320 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 116 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Lotus Elan. (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2008 Volvo S80 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Lotus Elan. 2008 Volvo S80 has automatic transmission and 1996 Lotus Elan has manual transmission. 1996 Lotus Elan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Volvo S80 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Lotus Elan | 2008 Volvo S80 | |
| Make | Lotus | Volvo |
| Model | Elan | S80 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 2521 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 207 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 204 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1576 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2800 mm |
