2008 Lotus Elise vs. 1958 Peugeot 203
To start off, 2008 Lotus Elise is newer by 50 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Peugeot 203. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Peugeot 203 would be higher. At 1,795 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Lotus Elise (120 HP) has 76 more horse power than 1958 Peugeot 203. (44 HP). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1958 Peugeot 203. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1958 Peugeot 203 weights approximately 140 kg more than 2008 Lotus Elise.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2008 Lotus Elise (168 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 88 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Peugeot 203. (80 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2008 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Peugeot 203.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Lotus Elise | 1958 Peugeot 203 | |
| Make | Lotus | Peugeot |
| Model | Elise | 203 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1958 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1795 cc | 1290 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 44 HP |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 80 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 6.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 785 kg | 925 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1610 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 70 L |
