1997 Lotus Elise vs. 2007 Volvo S60
To start off, 2007 Volvo S60 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Lotus Elise would be higher. At 2,401 cc (5 cylinders), 2007 Volvo S60 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Volvo S60 (257 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 140 more horse power than 1997 Lotus Elise. (117 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Volvo S60 should accelerate faster than 1997 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Volvo S60 weights approximately 834 kg more than 1997 Lotus Elise. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 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 1997 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 Volvo S60, 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, 2007 Volvo S60 (350 Nm @ 2100 RPM) has 181 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Lotus Elise. (169 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2007 Volvo S60 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Lotus Elise | 2007 Volvo S60 | |
| Make | Lotus | Volvo |
| Model | Elise | S60 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2401 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 117 HP | 257 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 169 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2100 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 705 kg | 1539 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4610 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 13.3 L/100km | 9.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 68 L |
