2007 Lotus Elise vs. 1983 Volvo 240
To start off, 2007 Lotus Elise is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Volvo 240. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Volvo 240 would be higher. At 2,315 cc (6 cylinders), 1983 Volvo 240 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Lotus Elise (120 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 1983 Volvo 240. (81 HP @ 4650 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1983 Volvo 240. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Volvo 240 weights approximately 489 kg more than 2007 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, 2007 Lotus Elise (169 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Volvo 240. (139 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2007 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Volvo 240.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Lotus Elise | 1983 Volvo 240 | |
| Make | Lotus | Volvo |
| Model | Elise | 240 |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2315 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4650 RPM |
| Torque | 169 Nm | 139 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 881 kg | 1370 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 32 L | 58 L |
