2009 Lotus Elise vs. 1970 Volvo P 1800
To start off, 2009 Lotus Elise is newer by 39 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Volvo P 1800. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Volvo P 1800 would be higher. At 1,986 cc (4 cylinders), 1970 Volvo P 1800 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Lotus Elise (186 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 1970 Volvo P 1800. (115 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1970 Volvo P 1800. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Volvo P 1800 weights approximately 335 kg more than 2009 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, 1970 Volvo P 1800 (176 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Lotus Elise. (133 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 1970 Volvo P 1800 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Lotus Elise | 1970 Volvo P 1800 | |
| Make | Lotus | Volvo |
| Model | Elise | P 1800 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1970 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 186 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 133 Nm | 176 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 80 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 785 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2460 mm |
