The Peugeot 605 (6B) 2.1 TD 12V Automatic, produced between 1993 and 2000, represents a significant step forward for Peugeot in the executive car segment. Positioned above the Peugeot 505, the 605 aimed to compete with established German rivals like the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class. While never officially sold in the United States, the 605 was a popular and well-regarded vehicle in Europe, known for its comfortable ride, sophisticated engineering, and distinctive styling. This particular variant, powered by a 2.1-liter turbocharged diesel engine, offered a blend of fuel efficiency and respectable performance for its time.
Peugeot 605 (6B) 2.1 TD 12V: An Overview
The 605 was Peugeot’s flagship sedan during its production run, embodying the company’s commitment to innovation and quality. The ‘6B’ designation refers to the second generation of the 605, which received styling updates and mechanical refinements compared to the initial launch models. The 2.1 TD 12V version, equipped with a 12-valve diesel engine and an automatic transmission, catered to buyers prioritizing economy and ease of driving. It was a common sight on European highways, appreciated for its long-distance comfort and reliability.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the 605 2.1 TD is a 2.1-liter (2088 cm3) inline-four cylinder diesel engine, designated P8C XUD11BTE. This engine utilizes a turbocharger and precombustion chamber fuel injection to deliver 110 horsepower (Hp) at 4300 rpm and 250 Newton-meters (184.39 lb.-ft.) of torque at 2000 rpm. While not a performance powerhouse, the engine provides adequate power for comfortable cruising and overtaking. The automatic transmission, featuring four gears, contributes to a relaxed driving experience. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes approximately 11 seconds, while 0 to 60 mph is achieved in around 10.5 seconds. The vehicle boasts a maximum speed of 205 km/h (127.38 mph). The engine’s design prioritizes fuel efficiency, achieving combined fuel consumption of 7 liters per 100 kilometers (33.6 US mpg or 40.4 UK mpg).
Design & Features
The Peugeot 605 features a classic sedan body style with four doors and seating for five passengers. Its design, penned by Pininfarina, is characterized by clean lines, a low-slung profile, and a spacious interior. The 605 prioritized passenger comfort, offering a well-appointed cabin with supportive seats and a generous amount of legroom. Standard features for this era included power steering, ventilated front disc brakes, and anti-lock braking system (ABS) for enhanced safety. The car’s suspension, utilizing wishbone setups both front and rear, was tuned for a comfortable ride, absorbing bumps and providing stable handling. The trunk offers a practical 497 liters (17.55 cu. ft.) of storage space. The vehicle’s overall length is 4765 mm (187.6 in), with a width of 1799 mm (70.83 in) and a height of 1418 mm (55.83 in). The curb weight is 1470 kg (3240.8 lbs), increasing to a maximum weight of 1970 kg (4343.11 lbs).
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Peugeot |
| Model | 605 |
| Generation | 605 (6B) |
| Type (Engine) | 2.1 TD 12V (110 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | 1993 |
| End of production | 2000 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 9.6 l/100 km (24.5 US mpg, 29.4 UK mpg, 10.4 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 5.6 l/100 km (42 US mpg, 50.4 UK mpg, 17.9 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 7 l/100 km (33.6 US mpg, 40.4 UK mpg, 14.3 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 11 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 11 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 10.5 sec |
| Maximum speed | 205 km/h (127.38 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 13.4 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.9 kg/Nm |
| Power | 110 Hp @ 4300 rpm |
| Torque | 250 Nm @ 2000 rpm (184.39 lb.-ft. @ 2000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | P8C XUD11BTE |
| Engine displacement | 2088 cm3 (127.42 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 85 mm (3.35 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 92 mm (3.62 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 21.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 3 |
| Fuel injection system | Precombustion chamber injection |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger |
| Valvetrain | OHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 5.25 l (5.55 US qt | 4.62 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 10 l (10.57 US qt | 8.8 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1470 kg (3240.8 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1970 kg (4343.11 lbs.) |
| Max load | 500 kg (1102.31 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 497 l (17.55 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 80 l (21.13 US gal | 17.6 UK gal) |
| Length | 4765 mm (187.6 in.) |
| Width | 1799 mm (70.83 in.) |
| Height | 1418 mm (55.83 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2800 mm (110.24 in.) |
| Front track | 1527 mm (60.12 in.) |
| Rear track | 1528 mm (60.16 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 4 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Double wishbone |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 205/60 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | 6.5 x 16 |
The Peugeot 605 2.1 TD 12V Automatic, while not a high-performance vehicle, offered a compelling package of comfort, fuel efficiency, and reliability. It remains a respected and fondly remembered car among enthusiasts, representing a high point in Peugeot’s engineering and design capabilities during the 1990s.
