The Peugeot 505 Break (551D) 2.2, produced from 1986 to 1993, represents a refined and practical offering from the French automaker. As a station wagon (estate) variant of the 505 sedan, it catered to buyers seeking a blend of comfort, style, and cargo capacity. While not officially sold in the United States, the 505 held a significant position in the European market as a competitor to vehicles like the Volvo 240, Ford Sierra, and Opel/Vauxhall Commodore. The Break, specifically, was prized for its spacious interior and versatile load-lugging abilities, making it a popular choice for families and those with active lifestyles.
Peugeot 505 Break (551D): A Detailed Overview
The 505 series, launched in 1978, was Peugeot’s replacement for the successful 504. The Break version, introduced later, extended the 505’s appeal by providing a more practical body style. The 551D designation refers to the specific model with the 2.2-liter engine. This generation of Peugeot vehicles was known for its robust construction, comfortable ride, and relatively sophisticated engineering for its time. The 505 Break aimed to deliver a premium experience within the mid-size station wagon segment, emphasizing practicality without sacrificing driving enjoyment.
Engine & Performance
The 505 Break (551D) 2.2 is powered by an inline four-cylinder, 2.2-liter (2165 cm3 or 132.12 cu. in.) gasoline engine. This engine produces 114 horsepower (Hp) at 5000 rpm and 174 Newton-meters (128.34 lb.-ft.) of torque at 3500 rpm. Power delivery is managed through a naturally aspirated intake and a carburetor fuel injection system, typical for vehicles of this era. The engine’s output translates to a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration time of 12.8 seconds, and a 0-60 mph time of approximately 12.2 seconds. The vehicle achieves a maximum speed of 178 km/h (110.6 mph). The engine’s power-to-weight ratio is 11.8 kg/Hp, and the torque-to-weight ratio is 7.7 kg/Nm. Fuel economy figures are 9.8 l/100 km (24 US mpg, 28.8 UK mpg) combined, 12.9 l/100 km (18.2 US mpg, 21.9 UK mpg) in urban settings, and 7.3 l/100 km (32.2 US mpg, 38.7 UK mpg) on the open road.
Design & Features
The Peugeot 505 Break boasts a classic station wagon silhouette, characterized by its long roofline and generous cargo area. The vehicle is a five-door, five-seater, offering ample space for passengers and luggage. The interior is designed with practicality and comfort in mind, featuring durable materials and a functional layout. Key features include hydraulic power steering for ease of maneuverability, and an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) which was a relatively advanced safety feature for the time. The trunk (boot) space is particularly noteworthy, offering a minimum of 1120 liters (39.55 cu. ft.) and expanding to a maximum of 2240 liters (79.1 cu. ft.) with the rear seats folded down. The vehicle’s design reflects the styling trends of the 1980s, with a focus on clean lines and a relatively understated aesthetic. The suspension utilizes coil springs on both the front and rear axles, providing a comfortable ride quality. The front brakes are discs, while the rear brakes are drums.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Peugeot |
| Model | 505 |
| Generation | 505 Break (551D) |
| Type (Engine) | 2.2 (114 Hp) |
| Start of production | 1986 |
| End of production | 1993 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Station wagon (estate) |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – urban | 12.9 l/100 km (18.2 US mpg, 21.9 UK mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – extra urban | 7.3 l/100 km (32.2 US mpg, 38.7 UK mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – combined | 9.8 l/100 km (24 US mpg, 28.8 UK mpg) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 12.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 12.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 12.2 sec |
| Maximum speed | 178 km/h (110.6 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 11.8 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 7.7 kg/Nm |
| Power | 114 Hp @ 5000 rpm |
| Torque | 174 Nm @ 3500 rpm (128.34 lb.-ft. @ 3500 rpm) |
| Engine Model/Code | 851X ZDJL |
| Engine displacement | 2165 cm3 (132.12 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 88 mm (3.46 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 89 mm (3.5 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 8.8:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 2 |
| Fuel injection system | Carburettor |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated |
| Engine oil capacity | 5.5 l (5.81 US qt | 4.84 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 7.5 l (7.93 US qt | 6.6 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1340 kg (2954.19 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2010 kg (4431.29 lbs.) |
| Max load | 670 kg (1477.1 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 1120 l (39.55 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 2240 l (79.1 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 70 l (18.49 US gal | 15.4 UK gal) |
| Length | 4900 mm (192.91 in.) |
| Width | 1730 mm (68.11 in.) |
| Height | 1540 mm (60.63 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2900 mm (114.17 in.) |
| Front track | 1460 mm (57.48 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1440 mm (56.69 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Coil spring |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
| Front brakes | Disc |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 185/65 HR 14 |
The Peugeot 505 Break (551D) 2.2 remains a respected vehicle among enthusiasts, appreciated for its blend of French flair, practicality, and robust engineering. While not a high-performance machine, it offered a comfortable and reliable driving experience, making it a popular choice for those seeking a versatile and stylish station wagon during its production run.
