Road Test: Peugeot 405 vs Rover Montego
In the world of mid-sized sedans from the late 1980s and early 1990s, the Peugeot 405 and Rover Montego stand out as notable contenders. Both vehicles offer a unique blend of performance, comfort, and style. This road test aims to evaluate these two classic sedans across various parameters, providing an in-depth comparison to help potential buyers make an informed decision.
Exterior Design
Peugeot 405: The Peugeot 405 is characterized by its sleek and aerodynamic design, which was ahead of its time. Designed by the Italian design house Pininfarina, the 405 boasts smooth lines and a sophisticated silhouette that gives it a timeless appeal. The front end features a distinctive grille with the Peugeot lion emblem, flanked by angular headlights. The side profile is elegant, with a gently sloping roofline that adds to the car’s aerodynamic efficiency. The 405’s design is not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional, contributing to its low drag coefficient.
Rover Montego: The Rover Montego, on the other hand, has a more traditional and conservative design. It features a boxier shape with straight lines and sharp angles, which were typical of British cars from that era. The front grille is more pronounced, with vertical slats and a prominent Rover badge. The Montego’s design emphasizes practicality and robustness, with large windows for better visibility and a spacious interior. While it may not be as visually striking as the Peugeot, the Montego’s design is undeniably practical and utilitarian.
Interior and Comfort
Peugeot 405: Inside the Peugeot 405, the emphasis is on comfort and driver-centric design. The cabin is well-appointed, with high-quality materials and attention to detail. The seats are comfortable and supportive, with ample legroom and headroom for both front and rear passengers. The dashboard layout is intuitive, with all controls within easy reach of the driver. The 405 also features a number of modern conveniences for its time, including power windows, air conditioning, and a high-quality audio system. Overall, the interior of the 405 exudes a sense of refinement and sophistication.
Rover Montego: The Rover Montego’s interior is more utilitarian, but it doesn’t skimp on comfort. The seats are plush and provide good support, making long journeys more pleasant. The dashboard is straightforward and functional, with large, easy-to-read gauges and simple controls. The Montego also offers generous interior space, with a particularly roomy rear seat area. The build quality is solid, and the materials used, while not as luxurious as those in the Peugeot, are durable and well-suited to daily use. The Montego’s interior is designed with practicality in mind, making it a comfortable and functional space.
Performance and Handling
Peugeot 405: The Peugeot 405 is renowned for its excellent handling and dynamic performance. It offers a range of engines, from the economical 1.6-liter petrol to the more powerful 1.9-liter turbocharged version. The 405’s chassis is well-balanced, providing a smooth and responsive ride. The steering is precise and communicative, making the 405 a joy to drive on winding roads. The suspension setup strikes a good balance between comfort and agility, soaking up bumps while maintaining composure during spirited driving. The 405’s performance is further enhanced by its aerodynamic design, which reduces drag and improves fuel efficiency.
Rover Montego: The Rover Montego also offers a range of engine options, including a 2.0-liter petrol engine and a 2.0-liter turbo diesel. The Montego’s performance is more subdued compared to the 405, but it is still competent and reliable. The Montego’s handling is stable and predictable, with a comfortable ride that is well-suited to long-distance cruising. The steering is lighter than the Peugeot’s, making the Montego easy to maneuver in urban environments. While it may not have the same sporty character as the 405, the Montego’s performance is adequate for most driving situations.
Practicality and Features
Peugeot 405: The Peugeot 405 is a practical sedan with a number of thoughtful features. The boot space is generous, providing ample room for luggage and other items. The rear seats can be folded down to further increase cargo capacity. The 405 also comes equipped with a range of modern features, such as power mirrors, central locking, and an advanced climate control system. Safety features include ABS brakes and airbags, which were relatively advanced for the time. The 405’s practical design and range of features make it a versatile and convenient choice for families and individuals alike.
Rover Montego: The Rover Montego excels in practicality, with a spacious interior and a large boot. The rear seats can be folded to create a flat load floor, making it easy to transport larger items. The Montego also offers a range of practical features, including power steering, power windows, and a reliable heating and ventilation system. Safety features include a sturdy construction and well-designed crumple zones, providing good protection in the event of a collision. The Montego’s emphasis on practicality and functionality makes it a solid choice for those who prioritize utility and reliability.
Reliability and Maintenance
Peugeot 405: The Peugeot 405 has a reputation for being a reliable and well-built car. Regular maintenance and servicing are essential to keep it running smoothly, but the 405 is generally known for its durability. Parts availability can vary depending on the region, but many components are shared with other Peugeot models, making them relatively easy to source. The 405’s build quality is solid, with a well-engineered chassis and drivetrain. With proper care, the 405 can provide many years of dependable service.
Rover Montego: The Rover Montego is also known for its reliability, particularly the later models which benefited from improvements in build quality. Regular maintenance is key to keeping the Montego in good condition, and parts are generally easy to find due to the car’s popularity in its home market. The Montego’s robust construction and simple mechanicals make it a straightforward car to maintain. While it may not have the same level of refinement as the Peugeot, the Montego’s reliability and ease of maintenance are strong selling points.
Driving Experience
Peugeot 405: The driving experience of the Peugeot 405 is one of its standout features. The combination of responsive handling, comfortable ride, and powerful engines makes it an engaging car to drive. The 405’s suspension setup and precise steering provide excellent feedback, allowing the driver to feel connected to the road. Whether navigating city streets or taking on twisty country roads, the 405 delivers a confident and enjoyable driving experience. The interior comfort and supportive seats also contribute to the overall driving pleasure, making long journeys more enjoyable.
Rover Montego: The Rover Montego offers a more relaxed driving experience. Its emphasis on comfort and practicality makes it a great choice for everyday driving and long-distance travel. The Montego’s ride quality is smooth and comfortable, with a suspension setup that absorbs bumps and rough surfaces with ease. The steering is light and easy to handle, making the Montego a good option for city driving. While it may not have the same sporty character as the Peugeot, the Montego’s driving experience is pleasant and stress-free, making it a dependable companion for daily use.
Ownership Costs
Peugeot 405: Ownership costs for the Peugeot 405 are reasonable, with moderate fuel consumption and affordable maintenance. Insurance costs are typically in line with other mid-sized sedans of its era. The 405’s fuel efficiency varies depending on the engine choice, with the diesel versions offering the best economy. Regular servicing and the occasional replacement of wear-and-tear items are to be expected, but overall, the 405 is not overly expensive to run. The car’s popularity means that there is a good supply of used parts, which can help keep repair costs down.
Rover Montego: The Rover Montego is also economical to own, with low fuel consumption and affordable maintenance. Insurance premiums are generally competitive, and the Montego’s simple mechanicals mean that repairs and servicing are straightforward. The diesel versions are particularly fuel-efficient, making them a cost-effective choice for high-mileage drivers. Parts availability is good, and the Montego’s popularity means that there are plenty of used parts available. Overall, the Montego offers low ownership costs, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers.
Conclusion
In the battle between the Peugeot 405 and the Rover Montego, both cars have their strengths and weaknesses. The Peugeot 405 stands out with its sleek design, excellent handling, and refined interior. It offers a more engaging driving experience and a higher level of sophistication, making it a great choice for those who prioritize style and performance.
The Rover Montego, on the other hand, excels in practicality, reliability, and comfort. Its spacious interior, large boot, and solid construction make it a dependable and functional family car. While it may not be as sporty as the Peugeot, the Montego’s emphasis on comfort and utility make it a strong contender for those who prioritize practicality and ease of ownership.
Ultimately, the choice between the Peugeot 405 and the Rover Montego comes down to individual preferences and priorities. If you value style, performance, and driving dynamics, the Peugeot 405 is the clear winner. However, if you prioritize practicality, reliability, and comfort, the Rover Montego is the better choice. Both cars offer a unique blend of features and qualities, making them worthy contenders in the mid-sized sedan segment.
Court Guinness 