1980 Lotus Esprit vs. 1960 Peugeot 203
To start off, 1980 Lotus Esprit is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1960 Peugeot 203. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1960 Peugeot 203 would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Lotus Esprit (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 114 more horse power than 1960 Peugeot 203. (44 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1960 Peugeot 203. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 140 kg more than 1960 Peugeot 203. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1980 Lotus Esprit (222 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 145 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Peugeot 203. (77 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1980 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 Peugeot 203.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Lotus Esprit | 1960 Peugeot 203 | |
| Make | Lotus | Peugeot |
| Model | Esprit | 203 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1960 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1286 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 44 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 77 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 73 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 980 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 50 L |
