1959 Lotus Elite vs. 1989 Peugeot 405
To start off, 1989 Peugeot 405 is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Lotus Elite. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Lotus Elite would be higher. At 1,996 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Peugeot 405 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Lotus Elite (71 HP) has 7 more horse power than 1989 Peugeot 405. (64 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1959 Lotus Elite should accelerate faster than 1989 Peugeot 405. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Peugeot 405 weights approximately 710 kg more than 1959 Lotus Elite.
Because 1989 Peugeot 405 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1959 Lotus Elite. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Peugeot 405 will offer significantly more control. 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, 1989 Peugeot 405 (122 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Lotus Elite. (104 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1989 Peugeot 405 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Lotus Elite.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Lotus Elite | 1989 Peugeot 405 | |
| Make | Lotus | Peugeot |
| Model | Elite | 405 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1216 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 71 HP | 64 HP |
| Torque | 104 Nm | 122 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 580 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3710 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1190 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 29 L | 70 L |
