2009 Lotus Elise vs. 2008 Volvo S40
To start off, 2009 Lotus Elise is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Volvo S40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Volvo S40 would be higher. At 2,435 cc (5 cylinders), 2008 Volvo S40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volvo S40 (200 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 2009 Lotus Elise. (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volvo S40 should accelerate faster than 2009 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volvo S40 weights approximately 390 kg more than 2009 Lotus Elise. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2008 Volvo S40, 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, 2008 Volvo S40 (230 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Lotus Elise. (180 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 2008 Volvo S40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Lotus Elise | 2008 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | Lotus | Volvo |
| Model | Elise | S40 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2435 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | 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 | 954 kg | 1344 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 8.7 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.2 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.8 L/100km | 7.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 62 L |
