1979 Ferrari 400 vs. 1985 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1985 Lotus Esprit is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Ferrari 400. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Ferrari 400 would be higher. At 4,823 cc (12 cylinders), 1979 Ferrari 400 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Ferrari 400 (315 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 157 more horse power than 1985 Lotus Esprit. (158 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Ferrari 400 should accelerate faster than 1985 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Ferrari 400 weights approximately 750 kg more than 1985 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, 1979 Ferrari 400 (412 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 195 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Lotus Esprit. (217 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1979 Ferrari 400 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Lotus Esprit. 1979 Ferrari 400 has automatic transmission and 1985 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1985 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Ferrari 400 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Ferrari 400 | 1985 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Ferrari | Lotus |
| Model | 400 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 4823 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 315 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 412 Nm | 217 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1818 kg | 1068 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 120 L | 31 L |
