2005 Lotus Elise vs. 1983 Volvo 240
To start off, 2005 Lotus Elise is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Volvo 240. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Volvo 240 would be higher. At 1,986 cc (4 cylinders), 1983 Volvo 240 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Lotus Elise (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 93 more horse power than 1983 Volvo 240. (96 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1983 Volvo 240. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Volvo 240 weights approximately 440 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 (186 Nm @ 6800 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Volvo 240. (157 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2005 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Volvo 240.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Lotus Elise | 1983 Volvo 240 | |
| Make | Lotus | Volvo |
| Model | Elise | 240 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 96 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 186 Nm | 157 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 82.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 93 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 850 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2660 mm |
