1956 Citroen DS vs. 1951 Peugeot 203
To start off, 1956 Citroen DS is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1951 Peugeot 203. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1951 Peugeot 203 would be higher. At 1,911 cc (4 cylinders), 1956 Citroen DS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1956 Citroen DS (75 HP) has 31 more horse power than 1951 Peugeot 203. (44 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1956 Citroen DS should accelerate faster than 1951 Peugeot 203. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 Citroen DS weights approximately 317 kg more than 1951 Peugeot 203. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1951 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 1951 Peugeot 203. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1956 Citroen DS, 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, 1956 Citroen DS (137 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 57 more torque (in Nm) than 1951 Peugeot 203. (80 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1956 Citroen DS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1951 Peugeot 203.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Citroen DS | 1951 Peugeot 203 | |
| Make | Citroen | Peugeot |
| Model | DS | 203 |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1951 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1911 cc | 1289 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 75 HP | 44 HP |
| Torque | 137 Nm | 80 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 100 mm | 71 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1237 kg | 920 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1610 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3130 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 50 L |
