1980 Lotus Esprit vs. 1997 Peugeot 406
To start off, 1997 Peugeot 406 is newer by 17 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 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Lotus Esprit (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1997 Peugeot 406. (108 HP @ 4300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1997 Peugeot 406. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Peugeot 406 weights approximately 440 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, 1997 Peugeot 406, 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, 1997 Peugeot 406 (250 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (222 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1997 Peugeot 406 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Lotus Esprit | 1997 Peugeot 406 | |
| Make | Lotus | Peugeot |
| Model | Esprit | 406 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 2088 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1790 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2710 mm |
