1980 Ferrari 308 vs. 2005 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2005 Lotus Exige is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Ferrari 308. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Ferrari 308 would be higher. At 2,998 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Lotus Exige is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Lotus Exige (396 HP @ 7750 RPM) has 156 more horse power than 1980 Ferrari 308. (240 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1980 Ferrari 308. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Ferrari 308 weights approximately 434 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 140 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Ferrari 308. (260 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2005 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Ferrari 308.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Ferrari 308 | 2005 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | Ferrari | Lotus |
| Model | 308 | Exige |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2927 cc | 2998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 396 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 7750 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1284 kg | 850 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1130 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2310 mm |
