1978 Ferrari 308 vs. 1999 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1999 Lotus Esprit is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Ferrari 308. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Ferrari 308 would be higher. At 3,498 cc (8 cylinders), 1999 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Lotus Esprit (350 HP) has 95 more horse power than 1978 Ferrari 308. (255 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1978 Ferrari 308. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 13 kg more than 1978 Ferrari 308. 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, 1999 Lotus Esprit (400 Nm) has 117 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ferrari 308. (283 Nm). This means 1999 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ferrari 308.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ferrari 308 | 1999 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Ferrari | Lotus |
| Model | 308 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2927 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 255 HP | 350 HP |
| Torque | 283 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1365 kg | 1378 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2440 mm |
