2009 Lotus Elise vs. 1979 Peugeot 505
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 505. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Peugeot 505 would be higher. At 2,498 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Peugeot 505 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Lotus Elise (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 94 more horse power than 1979 Peugeot 505. (95 HP @ 4150 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1979 Peugeot 505. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Peugeot 505 weights approximately 386 kg more than 2009 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, 1979 Peugeot 505 (206 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Lotus Elise. (180 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 1979 Peugeot 505 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Lotus Elise | 1979 Peugeot 505 | |
| Make | Lotus | Peugeot |
| Model | Elise | 505 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 95 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 4150 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 21.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 954 kg | 1340 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2750 mm |
