1976 Ferrari 308 vs. 1980 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1980 Lotus Esprit is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Ferrari 308. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Ferrari 308 would be higher. At 2,927 cc (8 cylinders), 1976 Ferrari 308 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Ferrari 308 (247 HP @ 7700 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (208 HP @ 6250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1976 Ferrari 308 should accelerate faster than 1980 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Ferrari 308 weights approximately 159 kg more than 1980 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, 1976 Ferrari 308 (290 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (277 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1976 Ferrari 308 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ferrari 308 | 1980 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Ferrari | Lotus |
| Model | 308 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2927 cc | 2172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 247 HP | 208 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7700 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 290 Nm | 277 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81.1 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1365 kg | 1206 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2450 mm |
