2002 Ferrari 550 vs. 1988 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2002 Ferrari 550 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 5,473 cc (12 cylinders), 2002 Ferrari 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Ferrari 550 (485 HP @ 7250 RPM) has 270 more horse power than 1988 Lotus Esprit. (215 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Ferrari 550 should accelerate faster than 1988 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Ferrari 550 weights approximately 502 kg more than 1988 Lotus Esprit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 Lotus Esprit 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 1988 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Ferrari 550, 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, 2002 Ferrari 550 (570 Nm) has 272 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Lotus Esprit. (298 Nm). This means 2002 Ferrari 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Lotus Esprit. 2002 Ferrari 550 has automatic transmission and 1988 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1988 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Ferrari 550 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Ferrari 550 | 1988 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Ferrari | Lotus |
| Model | 550 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 5473 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 485 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7250 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 570 Nm | 298 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.9 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 74.9 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1188 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1940 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 110 L | 31 L |
