1979 Ferrari 308 vs. 2005 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2005 Lotus Esprit is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Ferrari 308. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Ferrari 308 would be higher. At 3,506 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Lotus Esprit (349 HP @ 4250 RPM) has 94 more horse power than 1979 Ferrari 308. (255 HP @ 7700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1979 Ferrari 308. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 15 kg more than 1979 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, 2005 Lotus Esprit (400 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 117 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Ferrari 308. (283 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2005 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Ferrari 308.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Ferrari 308 | 2005 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Ferrari | Lotus |
| Model | 308 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2927 cc | 3506 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 255 HP | 349 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7700 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Torque | 283 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 81 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1365 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4420 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2430 mm |
