1981 Lotus Esprit vs. 1963 Peugeot 404
To start off, 1981 Lotus Esprit is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 Peugeot 404. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 Peugeot 404 would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Lotus Esprit (159 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 86 more horse power than 1963 Peugeot 404. (73 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1963 Peugeot 404. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 2 kg more than 1963 Peugeot 404. 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, 1981 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 88 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 Peugeot 404. (133 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1981 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 Peugeot 404.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lotus Esprit | 1963 Peugeot 404 | |
| Make | Lotus | Peugeot |
| Model | Esprit | 404 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1963 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1618 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 159 HP | 73 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 8.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1067 kg | 1065 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 50 L |
