1997 Ferrari F355 vs. 1982 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1997 Ferrari F355 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 3,496 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Ferrari F355 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Ferrari F355 (376 HP @ 8250 RPM) has 218 more horse power than 1982 Lotus Esprit. (158 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ferrari F355 should accelerate faster than 1982 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Ferrari F355 weights approximately 283 kg more than 1982 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) has 142 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm). This means 1997 Ferrari F355 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ferrari F355 | 1982 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Ferrari | Lotus |
| Model | F355 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1982 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3496 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 | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8250 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 363 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 85.1 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| 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 | 1067 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4260 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2490 mm |
