2006 Lotus Elise vs. 1985 Volvo 780
To start off, 2006 Lotus Elise is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Volvo 780. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Volvo 780 would be higher. At 2,383 cc (6 cylinders), 1985 Volvo 780 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Lotus Elise (189 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 1985 Volvo 780. (127 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1985 Volvo 780. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Volvo 780 weights approximately 684 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, 1985 Volvo 780 (250 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 82 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Lotus Elise. (168 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1985 Volvo 780 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Lotus Elise | 1985 Volvo 780 | |
| Make | Lotus | Volvo |
| Model | Elise | 780 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2383 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 127 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 23.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 241 km/hour | 187 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.2 seconds | 10.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 786 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2780 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.8 L/100km | 6.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 80 L |
