1968 Lotus Europa vs. 1997 Peugeot 306
To start off, 1997 Peugeot 306 is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Lotus Europa. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Lotus Europa would be higher. At 1,996 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Peugeot 306 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Peugeot 306 (167 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 91 more horse power than 1968 Lotus Europa. (76 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Peugeot 306 should accelerate faster than 1968 Lotus Europa. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Peugeot 306 weights approximately 540 kg more than 1968 Lotus Europa. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1968 Lotus Europa 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 1968 Lotus Europa. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Peugeot 306, 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, 1997 Peugeot 306 (197 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 94 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Lotus Europa. (103 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1997 Peugeot 306 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Lotus Europa.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Lotus Europa | 1997 Peugeot 306 | |
| Make | Lotus | Peugeot |
| Model | Europa | 306 |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1470 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 103 Nm | 197 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 610 kg | 1150 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1080 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 60 L |
