Peugeot 205
The car that saved Peugeot, offering chic French styling and class-leading dynamics in a compact package.
- Power
- 55 bhp
- 0–60 mph
- 13.9 s
- Top speed
- 96 mph
- Est. value
- $2k–$6k
About the Peugeot 205
The Peugeot 205 is widely regarded as one of the most important European small cars of the 1980s, credited with turning around Peugeot's financial fortunes. Designed in-house under Gérard Welter, it eschewed the boxy styling of its predecessors for a modern, aerodynamic silhouette that still looks fresh today. The 1.1 GL variant utilized the 'suitcase' Douvrin engine before transitioning to the TU-series unit, providing modest but willing performance. Its lightweight construction and excellent suspension tuning gave even these entry-level models a level of agility and ride comfort that shamed many larger cars.
Peugeot 205 specs
The Peugeot 205 produces 55 bhp (41 kW) and 88 Nm (65 lb-ft) of torque. It reaches 60 mph in 13.9 seconds and has a top speed of 96 mph (154 km/h).
| Make | Peugeot |
|---|---|
| Model | 205 |
| Trim | 1.1 GL |
| Years | 1983–1998 |
| Type | Hatchback |
| Body style | Hatchback |
| Country | France |
| Engine | 1.1-litre inline-four |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,124 cc (1.1 litres) |
| Induction | Naturally aspirated |
| Power | 55 bhp (41 kW) at 5,800 rpm |
| Torque | 88 Nm (65 lb-ft) |
| Redline | 6,000 rpm |
| 0–60 mph | 13.9 s |
| Top speed | 96 mph (154 km/h) |
| Transmission | 4-speed manual |
| Drivetrain | Front-wheel drive |
| Weight | 760 kg (1,676 lb) |
| Power-to-weight | 72 bhp per tonne |
Typical figures for the standard car; options, markets and model years vary. Where our specs come from
How much is a Peugeot 205 worth?
A typical Peugeot 205 is estimated to be worth $1,500 – $6,000 (about £1,100 – £4,500).
Values are directional estimates for a typical example, not appraisals. Condition, mileage, history and specification all change what a real car is worth. Pound figures use the exchange rate of 3 November 2026. How values are estimated
Peugeot 205 rarity in CarSpot
The Peugeot 205 is a Common card in CarSpot, with a rarity score of 7 out of 100. Everyday cars you can spot on almost any street. A Common card is worth 10 XP.
Each model's tier starts from a 0–100 score based on its value plus its power or production numbers. Once enough players have spotted a model, how often it is spotted can move it up or down one tier. How CarSpot rarity works
Rarity is a collectible game mechanic, not an assessment of real-world scarcity or value.
Peugeot 205 fun facts
- The 205 was so successful that Peugeot kept it in production for 15 years, eventually overlapping with its intended successor, the 206.
- While the GTI is the collector's choice, the base models like the GL are now becoming rare due to high scrappage rates and their use as donor cars for GTI restorations.
- The 205 finished second in the 1984 European Car of the Year awards, narrowly losing to the Fiat Uno.