1969 Lotus Elan vs. 1983 Peugeot 205
To start off, 1983 Peugeot 205 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Lotus Elan 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 59 more horse power than 1983 Peugeot 205. (59 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1969 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1983 Peugeot 205. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1969 Lotus Elan weights approximately 89 kg more than 1983 Peugeot 205. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1983 Peugeot 205, 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 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Peugeot 205. (106 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1969 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Peugeot 205.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Lotus Elan | 1983 Peugeot 205 | |
| Make | Lotus | Peugeot |
| Model | Elan | 205 |
| Year Released | 1969 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 1360 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 106 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 77 mm |
| Top Speed | 190 km/hour | 156 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 889 kg | 800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 3710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2430 mm |
