2005 Lotus Esprit vs. 2003 Volvo S40
To start off, 2005 Lotus Esprit is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Volvo S40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Volvo S40 would be higher. At 3,506 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Lotus Esprit (349 HP @ 4250 RPM) has 211 more horse power than 2003 Volvo S40. (138 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2003 Volvo S40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Volvo S40 weights approximately 45 kg more than 2005 Lotus Esprit.
Because 2005 Lotus Esprit 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 Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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, 2005 Lotus Esprit (400 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 180 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Volvo S40. (220 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2005 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Volvo S40.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Lotus Esprit | 2003 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | Lotus | Volvo |
| Model | Esprit | S40 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3506 cc | 2435 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 349 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.1:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Top Speed | 282 km/hour | 205 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 4.8 seconds | 10.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1425 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4420 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 73 L | 62 L |
