2006 Lotus Elise vs. 1980 Volvo 240
To start off, 2006 Lotus Elise is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Volvo 240. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Volvo 240 would be higher. At 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Volvo 240 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Lotus Elise (190 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1980 Volvo 240. (152 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1980 Volvo 240. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Volvo 240 weights approximately 490 kg more than 2006 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, 1980 Volvo 240 (240 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Lotus Elise. (180 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 1980 Volvo 240 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Lotus Elise | 1980 Volvo 240 | |
| Make | Lotus | Volvo |
| Model | Elise | 240 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 152 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 241 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 950 kg | 1440 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 60 L |
