1984 Ferrari 288 GTO vs. 1991 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1991 Lotus Elan is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Ferrari 288 GTO. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Ferrari 288 GTO would be higher. At 2,855 cc (8 cylinders), 1984 Ferrari 288 GTO is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1984 Ferrari 288 GTO (395 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 232 more horse power than 1991 Lotus Elan. (163 HP @ 6600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1984 Ferrari 288 GTO should accelerate faster than 1991 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 Ferrari 288 GTO weights approximately 205 kg more than 1991 Lotus Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1984 Ferrari 288 GTO is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1984 Ferrari 288 GTO. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1991 Lotus Elan, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1984 Ferrari 288 GTO (506 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 302 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 Lotus Elan. (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1984 Ferrari 288 GTO will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1991 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Ferrari 288 GTO | 1991 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Ferrari | Lotus |
| Model | 288 GTO | Elan |
| Year Released | 1984 | 1991 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2855 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 395 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 506 Nm | 204 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1130 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2260 mm |
