The Peugeot 605 (6B) 2.5 Turbo Diesel is a large, front-wheel-drive sedan produced by the French manufacturer Peugeot between 1994 and 2000. Representing Peugeot’s flagship model during its production run, the 605 aimed to compete with executive cars from German manufacturers like BMW and Mercedes-Benz. While not officially sold in the United States, the 605 was a significant vehicle in the European market, known for its comfortable ride, sophisticated engineering, and available diesel powertrains. The 2.5 Turbo Diesel variant, producing 129 horsepower, offered a balance of performance and fuel economy, making it a popular choice for long-distance drivers.
Peugeot 605 (6B) 2.5 Turbo Diesel: An Overview
The 605 was the successor to the Peugeot 505 and was designed to offer a more modern and refined driving experience. It featured a sleek, aerodynamic exterior penned by Pininfarina, and a spacious, well-appointed interior. The 6B designation refers to a mid-cycle refresh introduced in 1994, which included styling updates and mechanical improvements. The 2.5 Turbo Diesel engine was a key component of the 605’s appeal, providing strong torque and respectable fuel efficiency for a vehicle of its size. It was a popular choice in European markets where diesel fuel was more readily available and economically advantageous.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the Peugeot 605 2.5 Turbo Diesel is its 2.4-liter inline-four cylinder engine, designated THY DK5ATE. This engine utilizes precombustion chamber injection and a turbocharger to deliver 129 horsepower at 4300 rpm and 285 Nm (210.21 lb.-ft.) of torque at 2000 rpm. The turbocharger significantly enhances the engine’s power output, providing strong acceleration and effortless cruising. The engine’s power-to-liter ratio is 52.7 hp/l. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes 12.1 seconds, while 0 to 60 mph is achieved in approximately 11.5 seconds. The vehicle boasts a maximum speed of 201 km/h (124.9 mph). The engine is transversely mounted in the front of the vehicle, driving the front wheels through a five-speed manual transmission. The weight-to-power ratio is 12.2 kg/Hp, and the weight-to-torque ratio is 5.5 kg/Nm.
Design & Features
The Peugeot 605 6B is a four-door sedan with a classic three-box design. The Pininfarina-designed body is characterized by its smooth lines, integrated headlights, and relatively understated styling. The interior is spacious and comfortable, offering seating for five passengers. Key features of the 605 included power steering, ventilated front disc brakes, and disc brakes on the rear axle. Safety features for the time included an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). The 605 prioritized comfort and refinement, offering a quiet cabin and a smooth ride. The trunk offers a minimum capacity of 497 liters (17.55 cubic feet), providing ample space for luggage. The vehicle’s dimensions are 4765 mm (187.6 in) in length, 1799 mm (70.83 in) in width, and 1415 mm (55.71 in) in height, with a wheelbase of 2800 mm (110.24 in).
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Peugeot |
| Model | 605 |
| Generation | 605 (6B) |
| Type (Engine) | 2.5 Turbo Diesel (129 Hp) |
| Start of production | 1994 |
| End of production | 2000 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 10.9 l/100 km (21.6 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 5.9 l/100 km (39.9 US mpg) |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 12.1 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 12.1 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 11.5 sec |
| Maximum speed | 201 km/h (124.9 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 12.2 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.5 kg/Nm |
| Power | 129 Hp @ 4300 rpm |
| Torque | 285 Nm @ 2000 rpm (210.21 lb.-ft. @ 2000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | THY DK5ATE |
| Engine displacement | 2446 cm3 (149.26 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 92 mm (3.62 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 92 mm (3.62 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 22:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 3 |
| Fuel injection system | Precombustion chamber injection |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger |
| Valvetrain | OHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 8 l (8.45 US qt | 7.04 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 13 l (13.74 US qt | 11.44 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1570 kg (3461.26 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2030 kg (4475.38 lbs.) |
| Max load | 460 kg (1014.13 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 | 1415 mm (55.71 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 | 5 gears, manual 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 | 205/65 R15 |
The Peugeot 605 2.5 Turbo Diesel represents a high point in Peugeot’s engineering and design capabilities during the 1990s. While it never achieved widespread recognition in the United States, it remains a respected and sought-after vehicle among enthusiasts in Europe and other markets where it was sold. Its combination of comfort, performance, and fuel efficiency made it a compelling alternative to its German rivals.
