1969 Lotus Elan vs. 1997 Peugeot 206
To start off, 1997 Peugeot 206 is newer by 28 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 1,868 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Peugeot 206 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Lotus Elan (116 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 1997 Peugeot 206. (70 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1969 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1997 Peugeot 206. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Peugeot 206 weights approximately 200 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, 1997 Peugeot 206, 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 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Peugeot 206. (126 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1969 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Peugeot 206.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Lotus Elan | 1997 Peugeot 206 | |
| Make | Lotus | Peugeot |
| Model | Elan | 206 |
| Year Released | 1969 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 1868 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 82.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 850 kg | 1050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 3840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 45 L |
