1984 Lotus Esprit vs. 2003 Peugeot 406
To start off, 2003 Peugeot 406 is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1984 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1984 Lotus Esprit (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 2003 Peugeot 406. (136 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1984 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2003 Peugeot 406. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Peugeot 406 weights approximately 294 kg more than 1984 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1984 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 1984 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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, 1984 Lotus Esprit (217 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Peugeot 406. (197 Nm @ 4100 RPM). This means 1984 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Peugeot 406. 2003 Peugeot 406 has automatic transmission and 1984 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1984 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Peugeot 406 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Lotus Esprit | 2003 Peugeot 406 | |
| Make | Lotus | Peugeot |
| Model | Esprit | 406 |
| Year Released | 1984 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 136 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 197 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7 seconds | 10.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1067 kg | 1361 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.3 L/100km | 5.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 70 L |
