Peugeot 205 GTI

vs

Peugeot 306

France vs France — 1984 vs 1994

Peugeot 205 GTI (1984)
Peugeot 306 (1994)
Specifications
205 GTI 1.9306 GTI-6
Horsepower130 hp167 hp
Torque125 lb-ft142 lb-ft
Engine Size1,905 cc1,998 cc
0-60 mph7.4 sec7.5 sec
Top Speed130 mph140 mph
¼ Mile15.5 sec15.8 sec
Weight1,929 lbs2,643 lbs
Wheelbase2,420 mm2,580 mm
Length3,706 mm4,028 mm
Value (Excellent)$50,000$18,000
Collectibility8/106/10
Rarity6/105/10
The Verdict

It's a closely fought contest. The 1984 Peugeot 205 GTI 1.9 brings quicker acceleration, lighter weight, stronger collectibility to the table, and the 1994 Peugeot 306 GTI-6 answers with more power, higher top speed, better value. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.

Overview

Peugeot has long offered a diverse lineup, and comparing the 1984 Peugeot 205 GTI 1.9 with the 1994 Peugeot 306 GTI-6 highlights the breadth of the marque's engineering philosophy. The 1994 Peugeot 306 GTI-6 holds a clear advantage in raw power with 167 hp compared to 130 hp, a 37-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Peugeot 205 GTI uses a Inline-4 SOHC XU9JA displacing 1,905 cc, while the Peugeot 306 relies on a Inline-4 DOHC with 1,998 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1984 Peugeot 205 GTI 1.9 edges ahead at 7.4 seconds versus 7.5 seconds. The Peugeot 205 GTI carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 714 lbs lighter. On the collector market, the 1984 Peugeot 205 GTI 1.9 commands a significant premium over the 1994 Peugeot 306 GTI-6, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity. From a collectibility standpoint, the 1984 Peugeot 205 GTI 1.9 rates higher among enthusiasts and auction houses.