2001 Lotus Elise vs. 1991 Peugeot 405
To start off, 2001 Lotus Elise is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1991 Peugeot 405. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1991 Peugeot 405 would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Lotus Elise (120 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1991 Peugeot 405. (90 HP @ 6400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1991 Peugeot 405. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1991 Peugeot 405 weights approximately 340 kg more than 2001 Lotus Elise.
Because 2001 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 2001 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1991 Peugeot 405, 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 Lotus Elise (168 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 Peugeot 405. (132 Nm @ 6000 RPM). This means 2001 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1991 Peugeot 405.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Lotus Elise | 1991 Peugeot 405 | |
| Make | Lotus | Peugeot |
| Model | Elise | 405 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1991 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1580 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 132 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 750 kg | 1090 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1550 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 70 L |
