1997 Lotus Elise vs. 2001 Peugeot 206
To start off, 2001 Peugeot 206 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Lotus Elise would be higher. At 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Peugeot 206 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Lotus Elise (117 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 2001 Peugeot 206. (89 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2001 Peugeot 206. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Peugeot 206 weights approximately 345 kg more than 1997 Lotus Elise.
Because 1997 Lotus Elise 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 1997 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Peugeot 206, 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, 2001 Peugeot 206 (210 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Lotus Elise. (169 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2001 Peugeot 206 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Lotus Elise | 2001 Peugeot 206 | |
| Make | Lotus | Peugeot |
| Model | Elise | 206 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 117 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 169 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.4 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 23.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 705 kg | 1050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 3840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 50 L |
