1981 Lotus Esprit vs. 1994 Peugeot 605
To start off, 1994 Peugeot 605 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Lotus Esprit 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 (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1994 Peugeot 605. (114 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1994 Peugeot 605. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1994 Peugeot 605 weights approximately 175 kg more than 1981 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1981 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 1981 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1994 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, 1981 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1994 Peugeot 605. (171 Nm @ 2250 RPM). This means 1981 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1994 Peugeot 605.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lotus Esprit | 1994 Peugeot 605 | |
| Make | Lotus | Peugeot |
| Model | Esprit | 605 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1994 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 171 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 1295 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2810 mm |
