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Peugeot 304 1.4 GLD (45 Hp)
Overall Rating
Peugeot 304:
The Peugeot 304 is a small family car manufactured and marketed by the French manufacturer Peugeot from 1969 to 1980.
The 304 was introduced to the public at the Paris Motor Show in September 1969. It made extensive use of Peugeot 204 body and mechanical parts. Production of the saloon/sedan on the Sochaux assembly lines was discontinued during the summer of 1979, while the "Break" was manufactured until the spring of 1980. The 304 fit into the 7CV tax category, one step above its little sister the 204 and significantly below the 9CV 404....(Read more on Wikipedia)
304 Overview:
Peugeot 304 (304). With 77 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~6.2 l/100km). Weighing only 935 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. The top speed reaches 130 km/h. A four-door car with a separate trunk, ideal for families and daily commuting. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
The Peugeot 304 was produced long before the establishment of Euro NCAP in 1997, and therefore, no official crash test ratings are available for this generation.
1.4 GLD (45 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
A very modest diesel engine, prioritizing extreme fuel economy over performance, resulting in leisurely acceleration and top speed.
Fuel Economy
Exceptional fuel economy for its time, making it the most cost-effective option for high-mileage drivers or those seeking maximum efficiency.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Comfortable ride quality for its era due to independent suspension
- • Practical and spacious interior for a compact family car
- • Economical diesel engine option (1.4 GLD)
- • Distinctive classic French design appeal
- • Generally robust mechanicals
Cons:
- • Modest performance, especially with the diesel engine
- • Dated safety features compared to modern standards
- • Prone to rust in older models
- • Parts availability can be challenging for some components
- • Steering can feel vague by modern standards
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(Break: October, 1976 - October, 1980).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Peugeot |
| Model: | 304 |
| Generation: | 304 |
| Modification (Engine): | 1.4 GLD (45 Hp) |
| Start of production: | September, 1976 |
| End of production: | October, 1979 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 45 Hp @ 5000 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 33.2 Hp/l [worst than previous generation] |
| Torque: | 77 Nm @ 2500 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | XL4D More details about the engine XL4D |
| Engine displacement: | 1357 |
| Number of cylinders: | 4 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Precombustion chamber injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | SOHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 5 l |
| Coolant: | 6.5 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Cylinder Bore: | 78 mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 71 mm |
| Compression ratio: | 23.3:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Diesel |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 6.2 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 5.5 l/100 km |
| Maximum speed: | 130 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 20.8 kg/Hp, 48.1 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 12.1 kg/Nm, 82.4 Nm/tonne |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 935 |
| Max. weight: | 1335 |
| Max load: | 400 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 415 l |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%): | 600 kg |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 62 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4140 mm |
| Width: | 1570 mm |
| Ride height (ground clearance): | 120 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 10.64 m [above average] |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 4 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Disc [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Drum [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Steering type | Cone worm with recirculation balls |
| Front suspension | Independent coil spring |
| Rear suspension | Independent coil spring |
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