1958 Lotus Elite vs. 1969 Peugeot 204
To start off, 1969 Peugeot 204 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Lotus Elite. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Lotus Elite would be higher. At 1,216 cc (4 cylinders), 1958 Lotus Elite is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1958 Lotus Elite (71 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1969 Peugeot 204. (47 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1958 Lotus Elite should accelerate faster than 1969 Peugeot 204. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1969 Peugeot 204 weights approximately 285 kg more than 1958 Lotus Elite.
Because 1958 Lotus Elite 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 1958 Lotus Elite. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1969 Peugeot 204, 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, 1958 Lotus Elite (105 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Peugeot 204. (84 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1958 Lotus Elite will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Peugeot 204.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Lotus Elite | 1969 Peugeot 204 | |
| Make | Lotus | Peugeot |
| Model | Elite | 204 |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1969 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1216 cc | 1130 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 71 HP | 47 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 105 Nm | 84 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76.2 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66.7 mm | 64 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 580 kg | 865 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3770 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1570 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 29 L | 42 L |
