1981 Lotus Esprit vs. 2001 Peugeot 306
To start off, 2001 Peugeot 306 is newer by 20 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 84 more horse power than 2001 Peugeot 306. (74 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2001 Peugeot 306. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 80 kg more than 2001 Peugeot 306. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2001 Peugeot 306, 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 106 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Peugeot 306. (115 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1981 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Peugeot 306.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lotus Esprit | 2001 Peugeot 306 | |
| Make | Lotus | Peugeot |
| Model | Esprit | 306 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1360 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 115 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 1040 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4240 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 45 L |
