1998 Lotus Elise vs. 1984 Volvo 740
To start off, 1998 Lotus Elise is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Volvo 740. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Volvo 740 would be higher. At 2,316 cc (4 cylinders), 1984 Volvo 740 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Lotus Elise (187 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 72 more horse power than 1984 Volvo 740. (115 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1984 Volvo 740. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 Volvo 740 weights approximately 601 kg more than 1998 Lotus Elise.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1998 Lotus Elise (193 Nm @ 5600 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Volvo 740. (186 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1998 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Volvo 740.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Lotus Elise | 1984 Volvo 740 | |
| Make | Lotus | Volvo |
| Model | Elise | 740 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1984 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2316 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 193 Nm | 186 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5600 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 714 kg | 1315 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3740 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2780 mm |
