1976 Ferrari 308 vs. 1995 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1995 Lotus Elan is newer by 19 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 84 more horse power than 1995 Lotus Elan. (163 HP @ 6600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1976 Ferrari 308 should accelerate faster than 1995 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Ferrari 308 weights approximately 345 kg more than 1995 Lotus Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1976 Ferrari 308 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 1976 Ferrari 308. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1995 Lotus Elan, 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, 1976 Ferrari 308 (290 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 86 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 Lotus Elan. (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1976 Ferrari 308 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ferrari 308 | 1995 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Ferrari | Lotus |
| Model | 308 | Elan |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1995 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2927 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 247 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7700 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 290 Nm | 204 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1365 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2260 mm |
