1957 Lotus Seven vs. 1997 Peugeot 605
To start off, 1997 Peugeot 605 is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Lotus Seven. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Lotus Seven would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Peugeot 605 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Peugeot 605 (136 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1957 Lotus Seven. (126 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Peugeot 605 should accelerate faster than 1957 Lotus Seven. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Peugeot 605 weights approximately 690 kg more than 1957 Lotus Seven. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1957 Lotus Seven 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 1957 Lotus Seven. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Peugeot 605, 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, 1997 Peugeot 605 (180 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Lotus Seven. (153 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1997 Peugeot 605 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Lotus Seven.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Lotus Seven | 1997 Peugeot 605 | |
| Make | Lotus | Peugeot |
| Model | Seven | 605 |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 126 HP | 136 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 153 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 750 kg | 1440 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3370 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 950 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2190 mm | 2810 mm |
