1979 Ferrari 400 vs. 2005 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2005 Lotus Exige is newer by 26 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, 2005 Lotus Exige (396 HP @ 7750 RPM) has 86 more horse power than 1979 Ferrari 400. (310 HP @ 6400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1979 Ferrari 400. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Ferrari 400 weights approximately 1123 kg more than 2005 Lotus Exige.
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 Exige (400 Nm @ 6500 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Ferrari 400. (392 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2005 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Ferrari 400.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Ferrari 400 | 2005 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | Ferrari | Lotus |
| Model | 400 | Exige |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 4823 cc | 2998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 310 HP | 396 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 7750 RPM |
| Torque | 392 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1973 kg | 850 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2310 mm |
