1969 Lotus Elan vs. 1965 Peugeot 204
To start off, 1969 Lotus Elan is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1965 Peugeot 204. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1965 Peugeot 204 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 (118 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 1965 Peugeot 204. (44 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1969 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1965 Peugeot 204. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1965 Peugeot 204 weights approximately 1 kg more than 1969 Lotus Elan.
Because 1969 Lotus Elan 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 1969 Lotus Elan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1965 Peugeot 204, 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, 1969 Lotus Elan (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 1965 Peugeot 204. (72 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1969 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1965 Peugeot 204.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Lotus Elan | 1965 Peugeot 204 | |
| Make | Lotus | Peugeot |
| Model | Elan | 204 |
| Year Released | 1969 | 1965 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 1255 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 44 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 72 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 71 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 22.3:1 |
| Top Speed | 190 km/hour | 125 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 889 kg | 890 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2600 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 42 L |
