1996 Lotus Elan vs. 2012 Volvo XC70
To start off, 2012 Volvo XC70 is newer by 16 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 3,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Volvo XC70 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volvo XC70 (300 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 137 more horse power than 1996 Lotus Elan. (163 HP @ 6600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volvo XC70 should accelerate faster than 1996 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volvo XC70 weights approximately 863 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 2012 Volvo XC70 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Lotus Elan. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Volvo XC70 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, 2012 Volvo XC70 (440 Nm @ 2100 RPM) has 236 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Lotus Elan. (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2012 Volvo XC70 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Lotus Elan. 2012 Volvo XC70 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. 2012 Volvo XC70 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1996 Lotus Elan | 2012 Volvo XC70 | |
Make | Lotus | Volvo |
Model | Elan | XC70 |
Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
Body Type | Convertible | SUV |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1588 cc | 3000 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 163 HP | 300 HP |
Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
Torque | 204 Nm | 440 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 2100 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | AWD |
Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1883 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4838 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1862 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1604 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2815 mm |