1974 Ferrari 308 vs. 1989 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1989 Lotus Esprit is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Ferrari 308. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Ferrari 308 would be higher. At 2,926 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Ferrari 308 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Lotus Esprit (264 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1974 Ferrari 308. (247 HP @ 7700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1974 Ferrari 308. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Ferrari 308 weights approximately 36 kg more than 1989 Lotus Esprit.
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, 1989 Lotus Esprit (353 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 63 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Ferrari 308. (290 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1989 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Ferrari 308.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Ferrari 308 | 1989 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Ferrari | Lotus |
| Model | 308 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2926 cc | 2172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 247 HP | 264 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7700 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 290 Nm | 353 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1365 kg | 1329 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4340 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2460 mm |
