2009 Lotus Elise vs. 1988 Volvo 440
To start off, 2009 Lotus Elise is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Volvo 440. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Volvo 440 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 11 more horse power than 1988 Volvo 440. (109 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1988 Volvo 440. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Volvo 440 weights approximately 148 kg more than 2009 Lotus Elise.
Because 2009 Lotus Elise is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2009 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Volvo 440, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Volvo 440. (140 Nm @ 4100 RPM). This means 2009 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Volvo 440.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Lotus Elise | 1988 Volvo 440 | |
| Make | Lotus | Volvo |
| Model | Elise | 440 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1721 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 81.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 83.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 882 kg | 1030 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2780 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.8 L/100km | 8.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 32 L | 80 L |
