1987 Ferrari 208 vs. 1980 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1987 Ferrari 208 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Ferrari 208 (254 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 96 more horse power than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (158 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 Ferrari 208 should accelerate faster than 1980 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Ferrari 208 weights approximately 110 kg more than 1980 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, 1987 Ferrari 208 (328 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 106 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (222 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1987 Ferrari 208 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Ferrari 208 | 1980 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Ferrari | Lotus |
| Model | 208 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 254 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 328 Nm | 222 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4100 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66.8 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 76.2 mm |
| 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 | 1230 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1130 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 120 L | 67 L |
