1996 Lotus Elan vs. 1974 Peugeot 504
To start off, 1996 Lotus Elan is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Peugeot 504. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Peugeot 504 would be higher. At 1,944 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Peugeot 504 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Lotus Elan (163 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 110 more horse power than 1974 Peugeot 504. (53 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1974 Peugeot 504. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Peugeot 504 weights approximately 190 kg more than 1996 Lotus Elan.
Because 1974 Peugeot 504 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 1974 Peugeot 504. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Lotus Elan, 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, 1996 Lotus Elan (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 96 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Peugeot 504. (108 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1996 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Peugeot 504.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Lotus Elan | 1974 Peugeot 504 | |
| Make | Lotus | Peugeot |
| Model | Elan | 504 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1944 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 204 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1210 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2750 mm |
