1969 Lotus Elan vs. 1954 Peugeot 203
To start off, 1969 Lotus Elan is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1954 Peugeot 203. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 Peugeot 203 would be higher. At 1,558 cc (4 cylinders), 1969 Lotus Elan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Lotus Elan (108 HP) has 64 more horse power than 1954 Peugeot 203. (44 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1969 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1954 Peugeot 203. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1954 Peugeot 203 weights approximately 230 kg more than 1969 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, 1969 Lotus Elan (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 67 more torque (in Nm) than 1954 Peugeot 203. (80 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1969 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1954 Peugeot 203.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Lotus Elan | 1954 Peugeot 203 | |
| Make | Lotus | Peugeot |
| Model | Elan | 203 |
| Year Released | 1969 | 1954 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 1290 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 44 HP |
| Torque | 147 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 |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 6.8:1 |
| 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 | 700 kg | 930 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3690 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1610 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 70 L |
