2009 Lotus Elise vs. 1979 Peugeot 304
To start off, 2009 Lotus Elise is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Peugeot 304. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Peugeot 304 would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Lotus Elise (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 125 more horse power than 1979 Peugeot 304. (64 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1979 Peugeot 304. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Lotus Elise weights approximately 4 kg more than 1979 Peugeot 304. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 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 2009 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 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, 2009 Lotus Elise (180 Nm @ 6800 RPM) has 86 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Peugeot 304. (94 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2009 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Peugeot 304.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Lotus Elise | 1979 Peugeot 304 | |
| Make | Lotus | Peugeot |
| Model | Elise | 304 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1979 |
| 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 | 180 Nm | 94 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 67.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | 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 | 954 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 |
