2005 Lotus Exige vs. 1975 Peugeot 304
To start off, 2005 Lotus Exige is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Peugeot 304. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Peugeot 304 would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Lotus Exige is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Lotus Exige (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 125 more horse power than 1975 Peugeot 304. (64 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1975 Peugeot 304. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1975 Peugeot 304 weights approximately 75 kg more than 2005 Lotus Exige.
Because 2005 Lotus Exige 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 Exige. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1975 Peugeot 304, 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 Exige (174 Nm @ 6800 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Peugeot 304. (94 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2005 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Peugeot 304.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Lotus Exige | 1975 Peugeot 304 | |
| Make | Lotus | Peugeot |
| Model | Exige | 304 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1975 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1290 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 64 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 94 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.1 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 67.6 mm |
| 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 | 875 kg | 950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2600 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 42 L |
