1968 Opel Diplomat vs. 1985 Peugeot 309
To start off, 1985 Peugeot 309 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Opel Diplomat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Opel Diplomat would be higher. At 5,354 cc (8 cylinders), 1968 Opel Diplomat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Opel Diplomat (227 HP @ 4700 RPM) has 164 more horse power than 1985 Peugeot 309. (63 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1968 Opel Diplomat should accelerate faster than 1985 Peugeot 309. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Opel Diplomat weights approximately 826 kg more than 1985 Peugeot 309. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1968 Opel Diplomat 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 Opel Diplomat. 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, 1968 Opel Diplomat (427 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 318 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Peugeot 309. (109 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1968 Opel Diplomat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Peugeot 309. 1968 Opel Diplomat has automatic transmission and 1985 Peugeot 309 has manual transmission. 1985 Peugeot 309 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1968 Opel Diplomat will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Opel Diplomat | 1985 Peugeot 309 | |
| Make | Opel | Peugeot |
| Model | Diplomat | 309 |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5354 cc | 1294 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 227 HP | 63 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4700 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 427 Nm | 109 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.6 mm | 73.2 mm |
| Top Speed | 202 km/hour | 156 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 864 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4960 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2480 mm |
