1969 Lotus Elan vs. 1997 Peugeot 306
To start off, 1997 Peugeot 306 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 1,558 cc (4 cylinders), 1969 Lotus Elan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Lotus Elan (118 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 1997 Peugeot 306. (75 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1969 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1997 Peugeot 306. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Peugeot 306 weights approximately 131 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 306, 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 35 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Peugeot 306. (111 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1969 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Peugeot 306.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Lotus Elan | 1997 Peugeot 306 | |
| Make | Lotus | Peugeot |
| Model | Elan | 306 |
| Year Released | 1969 | 1997 |
| 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 | 75 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 111 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 889 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 45 L |
