1960 Lotus Elite vs. 1985 Peugeot 309
To start off, 1985 Peugeot 309 is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1960 Lotus Elite. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1960 Lotus Elite would be higher. At 1,294 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Peugeot 309 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1960 Lotus Elite (71 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1985 Peugeot 309. (63 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1960 Lotus Elite should accelerate faster than 1985 Peugeot 309. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Peugeot 309 weights approximately 282 kg more than 1960 Lotus Elite.
Because 1960 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 1960 Lotus Elite. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 Peugeot 309, 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, 1985 Peugeot 309 (109 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Lotus Elite. (104 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1985 Peugeot 309 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 Lotus Elite.
Compare all specifications:
| 1960 Lotus Elite | 1985 Peugeot 309 | |
| Make | Lotus | Peugeot |
| Model | Elite | 309 |
| Year Released | 1960 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1216 cc | 1294 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 71 HP | 63 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 104 Nm | 109 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76.2 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66.7 mm | 73.2 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 582 kg | 864 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3770 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2480 mm |
