1980 Lotus Esprit vs. 1996 Peugeot 605
To start off, 1996 Peugeot 605 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,172 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Lotus Esprit (208 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 73 more horse power than 1996 Peugeot 605. (135 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1996 Peugeot 605. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Peugeot 605 weights approximately 234 kg more than 1980 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1980 Lotus Esprit 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 1980 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Peugeot 605, 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, 1980 Lotus Esprit (277 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 98 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Peugeot 605. (179 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1980 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Peugeot 605. 1996 Peugeot 605 has automatic transmission and 1980 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1980 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Peugeot 605 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Lotus Esprit | 1996 Peugeot 605 | |
| Make | Lotus | Peugeot |
| Model | Esprit | 605 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2172 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 277 Nm | 179 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 86 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1206 kg | 1440 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2810 mm |
