1980 Lotus Esprit vs. 2006 Peugeot 407
To start off, 2006 Peugeot 407 is newer by 26 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 2,230 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Peugeot 407 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Lotus Esprit (210 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 2006 Peugeot 407. (156 HP @ 5650 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2006 Peugeot 407. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Peugeot 407 weights approximately 336 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, 2006 Peugeot 407, 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 (271 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 54 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Peugeot 407. (217 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1980 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Peugeot 407.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Lotus Esprit | 2006 Peugeot 407 | |
| Make | Lotus | Peugeot |
| Model | Esprit | 407 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 2230 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 156 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5650 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 217 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.4 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.5:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6 seconds | 9.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1219 kg | 1555 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2730 mm |
