1996 Lotus Elise vs. 2005 Volvo C70
To start off, 2005 Volvo C70 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Lotus Elise would be higher. At 2,521 cc (5 cylinders), 2005 Volvo C70 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Volvo C70 (198 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 1996 Lotus Elise. (116 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Volvo C70 should accelerate faster than 1996 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Volvo C70 weights approximately 953 kg more than 1996 Lotus Elise. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 Lotus Elise 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 1996 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Volvo C70, 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, 2005 Volvo C70 (270 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 101 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Lotus Elise. (169 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2005 Volvo C70 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Lotus Elise | 2005 Volvo C70 | |
| Make | Lotus | Volvo |
| Model | Elise | C70 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2521 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 198 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 169 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 197 km/hour | 220 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.9 seconds | 8.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 705 kg | 1658 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 13.3 L/100km | 9.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 68 L |
