1955 Peugeot 403 vs. 1954 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 1955 Peugeot 403 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1954 Volkswagen Beetle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 Volkswagen Beetle would be higher. At 1,468 cc (4 cylinders), 1955 Peugeot 403 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1955 Peugeot 403 (57 HP @ 4900 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1954 Volkswagen Beetle. (38 HP @ 3900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1955 Peugeot 403 should accelerate faster than 1954 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1955 Peugeot 403 weights approximately 560 kg more than 1954 Volkswagen Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1955 Peugeot 403 (102 Nm) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 1954 Volkswagen Beetle. (89 Nm). This means 1955 Peugeot 403 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1954 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Peugeot 403 | 1954 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Peugeot | Volkswagen |
| Model | 403 | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1954 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1468 cc | 1192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 57 HP | 38 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 89 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73 mm | 64 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1630 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2410 mm |
