1983 Ferrari 208 vs. 1969 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1983 Ferrari 208 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,991 cc (8 cylinders), 1983 Ferrari 208 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Ferrari 208 (153 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1969 Lotus Elan. (118 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1983 Ferrari 208 should accelerate faster than 1969 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Ferrari 208 weights approximately 416 kg more than 1969 Lotus Elan. 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, 1983 Ferrari 208 (170 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Elan. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1983 Ferrari 208 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Ferrari 208 | 1969 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Ferrari | Lotus |
| Model | 208 | Elan |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1969 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66.8 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1305 kg | 889 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1130 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2440 mm |
