1986 Peugeot 309 vs. 1978 Peugeot 304
To start off, 1986 Peugeot 309 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Peugeot 304. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Peugeot 304 would be higher. At 1,580 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Peugeot 309 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Peugeot 309 (115 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 1978 Peugeot 304. (64 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 Peugeot 309 should accelerate faster than 1978 Peugeot 304. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Peugeot 304 weights approximately 20 kg more than 1986 Peugeot 309.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear 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, 1986 Peugeot 309 (133 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 39 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Peugeot 304. (94 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1986 Peugeot 309 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Peugeot 304.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Peugeot 309 | 1978 Peugeot 304 | |
| Make | Peugeot | Peugeot |
| Model | 309 | 304 |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1580 cc | 1290 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 64 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 133 Nm | 94 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73 mm | 67.6 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 930 kg | 950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2600 mm |
