1974 Lotus Eclat vs. 1955 Peugeot 203
To start off, 1974 Lotus Eclat is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Peugeot 203. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Peugeot 203 would be higher. At 1,973 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Lotus Eclat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Lotus Eclat (160 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 116 more horse power than 1955 Peugeot 203. (44 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 Lotus Eclat should accelerate faster than 1955 Peugeot 203. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1955 Peugeot 203 weights approximately 14 kg more than 1974 Lotus Eclat.
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, 1974 Lotus Eclat (190 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Peugeot 203. (80 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1974 Lotus Eclat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Peugeot 203. 1974 Lotus Eclat has automatic transmission and 1955 Peugeot 203 has manual transmission. 1955 Peugeot 203 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1974 Lotus Eclat will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Lotus Eclat | 1955 Peugeot 203 | |
| Make | Lotus | Peugeot |
| Model | Eclat | 203 |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1955 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1973 cc | 1288 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 44 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 80 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.2 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69.3 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 6.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1106 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1660 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2790 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 50 L |
