1998 Ferrari 355 Spider vs. 1996 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1998 Ferrari 355 Spider is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 3,494 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Ferrari 355 Spider is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Ferrari 355 Spider (375 HP @ 8250 RPM) has 212 more horse power than 1996 Lotus Elan. (163 HP @ 6600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ferrari 355 Spider should accelerate faster than 1996 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Ferrari 355 Spider weights approximately 670 kg more than 1996 Lotus Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 Ferrari 355 Spider 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 1998 Ferrari 355 Spider. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 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, 1998 Ferrari 355 Spider (363 Nm) has 159 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Lotus Elan. (204 Nm). This means 1998 Ferrari 355 Spider will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
1998 Ferrari 355 Spider | 1996 Lotus Elan | |
Make | Ferrari | Lotus |
Model | 355 Spider | Elan |
Year Released | 1998 | 1996 |
Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
Engine Position | Middle | Front |
Engine Size | 3494 cc | 1588 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 5 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 375 HP | 163 HP |
Engine RPM | 8250 RPM | 6600 RPM |
Torque | 363 Nm | 204 Nm |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1020 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4260 mm | 3810 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1740 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1240 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2260 mm |