1953 Peugeot 203 vs. 1966 Wartburg 353
To start off, 1966 Wartburg 353 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1953 Peugeot 203. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1953 Peugeot 203 would be higher. At 1,287 cc (4 cylinders), 1953 Peugeot 203 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1966 Wartburg 353 (49 HP) has 5 more horse power than 1953 Peugeot 203. (44 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1966 Wartburg 353 should accelerate faster than 1953 Peugeot 203. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1953 Peugeot 203 weights approximately 220 kg more than 1966 Wartburg 353.
Because 1953 Peugeot 203 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1953 Peugeot 203. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1966 Wartburg 353, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1966 Wartburg 353 (96 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 1953 Peugeot 203. (77 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1966 Wartburg 353 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1953 Peugeot 203.
Compare all specifications:
| 1953 Peugeot 203 | 1966 Wartburg 353 | |
| Make | Peugeot | Wartburg |
| Model | 203 | 353 |
| Year Released | 1953 | 1966 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1287 cc | 991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 44 HP | 49 HP |
| Torque | 77 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 73.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 6.8:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1660 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2790 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 44 L |
