1980 Ferrari 208 vs. 1988 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1988 Lotus Esprit is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Ferrari 208. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Ferrari 208 would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Lotus Esprit (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1980 Ferrari 208. (153 HP @ 6600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1980 Ferrari 208. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Ferrari 208 weights approximately 129 kg more than 1988 Lotus Esprit.
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, 1988 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Ferrari 208. (171 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1988 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Ferrari 208.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Ferrari 208 | 1988 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Ferrari | Lotus |
| Model | 208 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 171 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1305 kg | 1176 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1130 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2440 mm |
