1988 Ferrari 348 vs. 1984 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1988 Ferrari 348 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 3,404 cc (8 cylinders), 1988 Ferrari 348 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Ferrari 348 (295 HP @ 7200 RPM) has 137 more horse power than 1984 Lotus Esprit. (158 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Ferrari 348 should accelerate faster than 1984 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Ferrari 348 weights approximately 398 kg more than 1984 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, 1988 Ferrari 348 (323 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 106 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Lotus Esprit. (217 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1988 Ferrari 348 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ferrari 348 | 1984 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Ferrari | Lotus |
| Model | 348 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1984 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3404 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 295 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7200 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 323 Nm | 217 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.4:1 | 9.5:1 |
| 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 | 1465 kg | 1067 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 31 L |
