PEUGEOT 205 GTI 1984-1994 Photos, engines & full specs

The 205 GTI is one of the greatest cars ever built by the French car-maker Peugeot. It was successful on the track and on the market. It was such an important car, that it becomes a collectible.

The 205 GTI was introduced to the market as a top version for the supermini Peugeot 205. It was a light car, with a very balanced chassis that could be driven hard on any road surface. It was approved for competition in Group N (minimal modifications) and Group A categories to compete in the 2WD class.

From the outside, the 205 GTI looked simple, with an angled rear-end. An evolution over the 104 model. But there was something that made the car unique: its headlights and the rear windows. The 205 GTI was available in 3 doors only. The C-pillar formed a specific shape that could have been recognized by any car enthusiast or any rally-fan. A specific set of alloy wheels were designed for the 205 GTI.

Inside, the instrument cluster, the gear-lever, and the pedals were as important to the driver as the high bolstered seats that could keep him in place while hard cornering. Thanks to its balance, the car could be understeered, neutral, or oversteered depending on the driver. It was the car that could make anyone understand what “lift-oversteer” means. One tap on the accelerator would instantly balance the car.

There were two GTI models: the 1.6- and 1.9-liter engines. The latter was the same as the former, but with a longer stroke. It featured a better torque, but not as rev-happy as the smaller version. There was only 5 hp difference between them and the most important difference was the rear disc-brakes for the version with the bigger engine.