Two cars that perform above average. They are contemporaries. One is top model, the other is the clone of a rally car. Both are a real muscle bundle. At a remote, secret location in the Netherlands, the 505 V6 and 405 T16 came together for a comparison. Far from humble mustaches and Sunday riders, we tested these powerhouses for their performance.
Top model 505 V6
The Peugeot 505 V6 owes its engine to the fact that the 604 was taken out of production early, without the 605 immediately following this model. That is why the 505 received the honorable task of being the top model of Peugeot in 1986. The V6 engine from the 604 had to be modified and modernized to be built into the 505. Parts such as the crankshaft and the engine management system have been modernized considerably. In addition, the displacement was increased to 2,849 cm3 and thereby delivered 170 hp/125 kW at 5,600 rpm. and has a torque of 235 Nm at 4,500 rpm The 505 V6 has a top speed of 205 km/h.
Equipment
This model is standard equipped with a 5-speed gearbox. An automatic gearbox and a speed control were available for an additional charge. This machine has a top speed of 198 km / h. The equipment of the 505 V6 is broadly similar to that of the 505 Turbo Injection.
The backrests of the front seat and are adjustable at lumbar height. The headrests are tiltable at the back. A velor floor covering is found while the luggage compartment is fully covered with moquette. The front and rear door windows are electrically operated, the vanity mirror and the entry thresholds are illuminated. Electrically adjustable exterior mirrors with heating and a variable interval switch for the wipers. The exterior of the 505 V6 is the same as that of the Turbo Injection. The alloy wheels are of a new type with 195/60 HR 15 tires around them. The V6 is recognizable by the V6 logo on the back with a modest spoiler. That spoiler will later turn into a huge copy.
Wolf in sheep’s clothes
Our experience with the 505 V6 is that the car looks like a real business sedan. A car that, due to its beautiful engine sound, alloy wheels and rich equipment, has enough cachet to complete the business picture. You don’t immediately think of sportsmanship. It is the enormously striking spoiler that ensures that doubts arise about the term sportsmanship. Still, this 505 is a real highway eater. You can not call this car really sporty. The V6 is a smooth power source but it remains a car for the highway. In terms of power, there is nothing to complain about and an automatic gearbox is definitely recommended with this V6. The engine performs well and fits well with a top model from a car brand.
The talented Peugeot 405 T16
All the knowledge and experience that Peugeot gained in speed races and desert rallies came together in the development of the super fast 405 T16. Outwardly, this muscle bundle with a turbo 16-valve is not much different from the other 405 models. It is only the aerodynamically designed front and rear bumper, the large 16 ”alloy wheels, the special T16 plaque and the spoiler at the rear of the car that make the difference. But it doesn’t stop there. No, with the 405 T16 the difference is mainly under the hood!
Continued development
The 405, which was introduced in 1987, was an immediate success. In 1988 he managed no less than two titles to his name; “Car of the year” and “business car of the year”. The 405 excels in strong usage characteristics, but the design is less pronounced. In 1992 the 405 T16 appeared on the stage. With a suitcase full of racing experiences, the Turbo 16 valve had become a market product and everyone could suddenly enjoy this fast engine. The somewhat business car suddenly got a different view with so many horsepower under the hood.
Performance
And those horsepower is fine. The T16 has a 1998 cc 16-valve engine with two overhead camshafts, turbocharger and charge air cooling, rated at 144 kW (200 hp) from 5000 rpm and maximum torque of 288 Nm (30 mkg) from 2600 rpm. A special feature of this turbo is its variable output: it can deliver a higher boost pressure over a period of 45 seconds, increasing the available torque to 318 Nm (33 mkg) and the power to 159 kW (220 hp). In order to efficiently transfer this power to the wheels, Peugeot has used the successfully applied technology, tested during road and off-road competitions: the permanent all-wheel drive with central differential with viscous coupling and a rear differential with TORSEN locking system. With this Peugeot has developed a very pleasant and fast engine that they fortunately have not kept to themselves.
Equipment
The 405 all-wheel drive models are equipped with a new dashboard and new upholstery in the interior (seats, door trims, etc.). The SR x 4 has velor-finished seats and equipment similar to that of the SR front-wheel drive version. These include remote-controlled central locking, electrically operated front door windows (sequentially on the driver’s side) and, as with all 405 models, height-adjustable seat belts, front. The driver’s seat is also height adjustable.
Distinctive
Outwardly, the 405 T16 has the bumpers and panels on the bottom along the sides of the MI 16, but is recognizable by a new dedicated rear spoiler and larger 16-inch wheels. On the trunk lid is a new T16 emblem on the right. The interior of the T16 is luxurious. The finish with leather and Alcantara (middle part of seats and door panels) gives the interior a special look. An oil pressure gauge is mounted on the bottom of the tachometer. The T16 is standard equipped with air conditioning with automatic temperature control, tinted glass, electrically adjustable and heated exterior mirrors, four electrically operated side windows and remote central locking. Few extras include an electrically operated sliding roof, factory-built radio with steering wheel controls (6 speakers) and heated seats in the front seats.
Cuddly predator
The T16 behaves well in all conditions. It is striking that the acceleration from the first to second gear is remarkably smooth. Usually these fast cars are difficult to operate when the speed is low. The 405 is pleasant to drive in all conditions. It is a predator with a high cuddle factor. The difference is under the accelerator. The T16 turns into a beast with a toe curve. With a warm engine and a little throttle on the pedal, the car jumps forward like a cat on its prey. With maximum grip on the road, the car is solid on the road. At the traffic light, no one will suspect that the 405 can literally drive the pavers out of the road. However, the T16 can cover the 100 meters in 7.1 seconds. With an average use of almost 1 in 10, we can speak of a sporty car that is pleasant to deal with in daily traffic and can be transformed into a fast car a-la-minute. No wonder this model is still a favorite with fans of fast Peugeot’s.
