2002 Lotus Elise vs. 1989 Peugeot 205
To start off, 2002 Lotus Elise is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Peugeot 205. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Peugeot 205 would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Lotus Elise (134 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1989 Peugeot 205. (114 HP @ 6250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1989 Peugeot 205. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Peugeot 205 weights approximately 114 kg more than 2002 Lotus Elise.
Because 2002 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 2002 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Peugeot 205, 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, 2002 Lotus Elise (175 Nm @ 4850 RPM) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Peugeot 205. (133 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2002 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Peugeot 205.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Lotus Elise | 1989 Peugeot 205 | |
| Make | Lotus | Peugeot |
| Model | Elise | 205 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1580 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4850 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 73 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 756 kg | 870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 3710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 70 L |
