2009 Lotus Elise vs. 1971 Volvo 145
To start off, 2009 Lotus Elise is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Volvo 145. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Volvo 145 would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Lotus Elise (120 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1971 Volvo 145. (103 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1971 Volvo 145. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Volvo 145 weights approximately 408 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, 2009 Lotus Elise (168 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Volvo 145. (152 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Volvo 145.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Lotus Elise | 1971 Volvo 145 | |
| Make | Lotus | Volvo |
| Model | Elise | 145 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1778 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 103 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 152 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 882 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2620 mm |
