2006 Lotus Elise vs. 1980 Volvo 244
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 244. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Volvo 244 would be higher. At 1,986 cc (5 cylinders), 1980 Volvo 244 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Lotus Elise (190 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 93 more horse power than 1980 Volvo 244. (97 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1980 Volvo 244. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Volvo 244 weights approximately 320 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, 2006 Lotus Elise (180 Nm @ 6800 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volvo 244. (157 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2006 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volvo 244.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Lotus Elise | 1980 Volvo 244 | |
| Make | Lotus | Volvo |
| Model | Elise | 244 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 97 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 157 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 241 km/hour | 165 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 950 kg | 1270 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4910 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 60 L |
