1999 Lotus Elise vs. 2007 Volvo C30
To start off, 2007 Volvo C30 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Lotus Elise would be higher. At 2,521 cc (5 cylinders), 2007 Volvo C30 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Volvo C30 (217 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 99 more horse power than 1999 Lotus Elise. (118 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Volvo C30 should accelerate faster than 1999 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Volvo C30 weights approximately 720 kg more than 1999 Lotus Elise. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1999 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 1999 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 Volvo C30, 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 C30 (320 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 155 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Lotus Elise. (165 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2007 Volvo C30 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Lotus Elise | 2007 Volvo C30 | |
| Make | Lotus | Volvo |
| Model | Elise | C30 |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Hatchback |
| 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 | 118 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.4 mm | 93.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 708 kg | 1428 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 13.3 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 62 L |
