2005 Lotus Elise vs. 1980 Volvo 343
To start off, 2005 Lotus Elise is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Volvo 343. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Volvo 343 would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Lotus Elise (120 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1980 Volvo 343. (70 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1980 Volvo 343. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Volvo 343 weights approximately 205 kg more than 2005 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, 2005 Lotus Elise (174 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 66 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volvo 343. (108 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2005 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volvo 343. 1980 Volvo 343 has automatic transmission and 2005 Lotus Elise has manual transmission. 2005 Lotus Elise will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1980 Volvo 343 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2005 Lotus Elise | 1980 Volvo 343 | |
Make | Lotus | Volvo |
Model | Elise | 343 |
Year Released | 2005 | 1980 |
Engine Position | Middle | Front |
Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1397 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 120 HP | 70 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 174 Nm | 108 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 785 kg | 990 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4210 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1670 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1400 mm |