1978 Ferrari 308 vs. 1969 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1978 Ferrari 308 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 2,927 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Ferrari 308 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Ferrari 308 (240 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 124 more horse power than 1969 Lotus Elan. (116 HP @ 6250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Ferrari 308 should accelerate faster than 1969 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Ferrari 308 weights approximately 430 kg more than 1969 Lotus Elan. 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, 1978 Ferrari 308 (265 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 119 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Elan. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1978 Ferrari 308 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
1978 Ferrari 308 | 1969 Lotus Elan | |
Make | Ferrari | Lotus |
Model | 308 | Elan |
Year Released | 1978 | 1969 |
Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
Engine Position | Middle | Front |
Engine Size | 2927 cc | 1558 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 240 HP | 116 HP |
Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6250 RPM |
Torque | 265 Nm | 146 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 82.6 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 72.8 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 10.3:1 |
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 | 850 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 4290 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1680 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1130 mm | 1200 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2440 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 74 L | 45 L |