1997 Ferrari F355 vs. 1981 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1997 Ferrari F355 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 3,491 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Ferrari F355 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Ferrari F355 (376 HP @ 8250 RPM) has 168 more horse power than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (208 HP @ 6250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ferrari F355 should accelerate faster than 1981 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Ferrari F355 weights approximately 150 kg more than 1981 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, 1997 Ferrari F355 (363 Nm @ 6000 RPM) has 86 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (277 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1997 Ferrari F355 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ferrari F355 | 1981 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Ferrari | Lotus |
| Model | F355 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3491 cc | 2172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 5 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 376 HP | 208 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8250 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 363 Nm | 277 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| 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 | 1350 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4160 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 82 L | 71 L |
