2005 Lotus Elise vs. 2004 Volvo S40

To start off, 2005 Lotus Elise is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Volvo S40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Volvo S40 would be higher. At 2,524 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Volvo S40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Lotus Elise (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 2004 Volvo S40. (138 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2004 Volvo S40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Volvo S40 weights approximately 549 kg more than 2005 Lotus Elise.

Because 2005 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 2005 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Volvo S40, 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, 2004 Volvo S40 (220 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Lotus Elise. (186 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 2004 Volvo S40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Lotus Elise. 2004 Volvo S40 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. 2004 Volvo S40 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.

Compare all specifications:

2005 Lotus Elise 2004 Volvo S40
Make Lotus Volvo
Model Elise S40
Year Released 2005 2004
Body Type Roadster Sedan
Engine Position Middle Front
Engine Size 1796 cc 2524 cc
Engine Cylinders 4 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type in-line in-line
Valves per Cylinder 4 valves 4 valves
Horse Power 189 HP 138 HP
Engine RPM 7800 RPM 5000 RPM
Torque 186 Nm 220 Nm
Torque RPM 6800 RPM 4000 RPM
Engine Bore Size 82 mm 81 mm
Engine Stroke Size 85 mm 93.2 mm
Fuel Type Gasoline - Premium Gasoline - Premium
Top Speed 241 km/hour 205 km/hour
Acceleration 0-100mph 5.2 seconds 10.2 seconds
Drive Type Rear Front
Transmission Type Manual Automatic
Number of Seats 2 seats 5 seats
Number of Doors 2 doors 4 doors
Vehicle Weight 850 kg 1399 kg
Vehicle Length 3790 mm 4470 mm
Vehicle Width 1730 mm 1780 mm
Vehicle Height 1150 mm 1460 mm
Wheelbase Size 2310 mm 2800 mm
Fuel Consumption Overall 8.8 L/100km 8.4 L/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity 40 L 68 L