1976 Ferrari 512 BB vs. 1989 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1989 Lotus Esprit is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Ferrari 512 BB. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Ferrari 512 BB would be higher. At 4,942 cc, 1976 Ferrari 512 BB is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Ferrari 512 BB (355 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 139 more horse power than 1989 Lotus Esprit. (216 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1976 Ferrari 512 BB should accelerate faster than 1989 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Ferrari 512 BB weights approximately 252 kg more than 1989 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 512 BB (460 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 162 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Lotus Esprit. (298 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1976 Ferrari 512 BB will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ferrari 512 BB | 1989 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Ferrari | Lotus |
| Model | 512 BB | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Middle |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 2174 cc |
| Horse Power | 355 HP | 216 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 460 Nm | 298 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 277 km/hour | 245 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1400 kg | 1148 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1130 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2440 mm |
