2004 Lotus Esprit vs. 1985 Peugeot 309
To start off, 2004 Lotus Esprit is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Peugeot 309. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Peugeot 309 would be higher. At 1,974 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Lotus Esprit (241 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 178 more horse power than 1985 Peugeot 309. (63 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1985 Peugeot 309. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 441 kg more than 1985 Peugeot 309. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 Lotus Esprit 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 2004 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 Peugeot 309, 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, 2004 Lotus Esprit (294 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 185 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Peugeot 309. (109 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2004 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Peugeot 309.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Lotus Esprit | 1985 Peugeot 309 | |
| Make | Lotus | Peugeot |
| Model | Esprit | 309 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1974 cc | 1294 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 241 HP | 63 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 294 Nm | 109 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1305 kg | 864 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2480 mm |
