2009 Lotus Elise vs. 1998 Peugeot 306
To start off, 2009 Lotus Elise is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Peugeot 306. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Peugeot 306 would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Peugeot 306 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Peugeot 306 (133 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 2009 Lotus Elise. (120 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Peugeot 306 should accelerate faster than 2009 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Peugeot 306 weights approximately 388 kg more than 2009 Lotus Elise. 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, 1998 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, 1998 Peugeot 306 (180 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Lotus Elise. (168 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1998 Peugeot 306 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Lotus Elise | 1998 Peugeot 306 | |
| Make | Lotus | Peugeot |
| Model | Elise | 306 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 86 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 882 kg | 1270 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 32 L | 45 L |
