1977 Ferrari 308 vs. 1981 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1981 Lotus Esprit is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Ferrari 308. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Ferrari 308 would be higher. At 2,927 cc (8 cylinders), 1977 Ferrari 308 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1977 Ferrari 308 (238 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (158 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1977 Ferrari 308 should accelerate faster than 1981 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Ferrari 308 weights approximately 160 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, 1977 Ferrari 308 (266 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1977 Ferrari 308 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 Ferrari 308 | 1981 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Ferrari | Lotus |
| Model | 308 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1977 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2927 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 238 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 266 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1130 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 74 L | 67 L |
