1981 Ferrari 400 vs. 1990 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1990 Lotus Esprit is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ferrari 400. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ferrari 400 would be higher. At 4,823 cc (12 cylinders), 1981 Ferrari 400 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Ferrari 400 (306 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 134 more horse power than 1990 Lotus Esprit. (172 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Ferrari 400 should accelerate faster than 1990 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Ferrari 400 weights approximately 655 kg more than 1990 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, 1981 Ferrari 400 (392 Nm) has 171 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm). This means 1981 Ferrari 400 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ferrari 400 | 1990 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Ferrari | Lotus |
| Model | 400 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1990 |
| 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 | 306 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 392 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1830 kg | 1175 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2440 mm |
