1968 Lotus Elan vs. 1955 Peugeot 203
To start off, 1968 Lotus Elan is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Peugeot 203. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Peugeot 203 would be higher. At 1,558 cc (4 cylinders), 1968 Lotus Elan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Lotus Elan (116 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 72 more horse power than 1955 Peugeot 203. (44 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1968 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1955 Peugeot 203. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1955 Peugeot 203 weights approximately 75 kg more than 1968 Lotus Elan.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1968 Lotus Elan (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 66 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Peugeot 203. (80 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1968 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Peugeot 203.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Lotus Elan | 1955 Peugeot 203 | |
| Make | Lotus | Peugeot |
| Model | Elan | 203 |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1955 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 1289 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 44 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 80 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 73 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 850 kg | 925 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1610 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 70 L |
