2005 Lotus Elise vs. 1996 Peugeot 306
To start off, 2005 Lotus Elise is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Peugeot 306. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Peugeot 306 would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Lotus Elise (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 115 more horse power than 1996 Peugeot 306. (74 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1996 Peugeot 306. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Peugeot 306 weights approximately 170 kg more than 2005 Lotus Elise.
Because 2005 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 2005 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Peugeot 306, 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, 2005 Lotus Elise (186 Nm @ 6800 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Peugeot 306. (112 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2005 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Peugeot 306.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Lotus Elise | 1996 Peugeot 306 | |
| Make | Lotus | Peugeot |
| Model | Elise | 306 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1360 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 186 Nm | 112 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 77 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 850 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 45 L |
