1971 Ferrari 365 GT vs. 1981 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1981 Lotus Esprit is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Ferrari 365 GT. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Ferrari 365 GT would be higher. At 4,390 cc (12 cylinders), 1971 Ferrari 365 GT is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Ferrari 365 GT (320 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 162 more horse power than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (158 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Ferrari 365 GT should accelerate faster than 1981 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Ferrari 365 GT weights approximately 490 kg more than 1981 Lotus Esprit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1971 Ferrari 365 GT (364 Nm) has 143 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm). This means 1971 Ferrari 365 GT will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Ferrari 365 GT | 1981 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Ferrari | Lotus |
| Model | 365 GT | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 4390 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 320 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 364 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1610 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4960 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 100 L | 67 L |
