1963 Lotus Elan vs. 1984 Peugeot 205
To start off, 1984 Peugeot 205 is newer by 21 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 1,775 cc (4 cylinders), 1984 Peugeot 205 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1984 Peugeot 205 (197 HP @ 6750 RPM) has 97 more horse power than 1963 Lotus Elan. (100 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1984 Peugeot 205 should accelerate faster than 1963 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 Peugeot 205 weights approximately 551 kg more than 1963 Lotus Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1984 Peugeot 205 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1963 Lotus Elan. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1984 Peugeot 205 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, 1984 Peugeot 205 (255 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 117 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 Lotus Elan. (138 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1984 Peugeot 205 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 Lotus Elan | 1984 Peugeot 205 | |
| Make | Lotus | Peugeot |
| Model | Elan | 205 |
| Year Released | 1963 | 1984 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 1775 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6750 RPM |
| Torque | 138 Nm | 255 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.7 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 6.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 594 kg | 1145 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 3830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 110 L |
