1963 Lotus Elan vs. 1983 Peugeot 205
To start off, 1983 Peugeot 205 is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,766 cc (4 cylinders), 1983 Peugeot 205 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1963 Lotus Elan (100 HP) has 41 more horse power than 1983 Peugeot 205. (59 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1963 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1983 Peugeot 205. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Peugeot 205 weights approximately 301 kg more than 1963 Lotus Elan.
Because 1963 Lotus Elan 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 1963 Lotus Elan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1983 Peugeot 205, 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, 1963 Lotus Elan (138 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Peugeot 205. (106 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1963 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Peugeot 205.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 Lotus Elan | 1983 Peugeot 205 | |
| Make | Lotus | Peugeot |
| Model | Elan | 205 |
| Year Released | 1963 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 1766 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 59 HP |
| Torque | 138 Nm | 106 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.7 mm | 87.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 23.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 154 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 594 kg | 895 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 3710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2430 mm |
