1957 Peugeot 203 vs. 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 48 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Peugeot 203. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Peugeot 203 would be higher. At 1,894 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle (113 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 1957 Peugeot 203. (44 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle should accelerate faster than 1957 Peugeot 203. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 306 kg more than 1957 Peugeot 203. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1957 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 1957 Peugeot 203. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle, 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, 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Peugeot 203. (80 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Peugeot 203.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Peugeot 203 | 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Peugeot | Volkswagen |
| Model | 203 | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1957 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1290 cc | 1894 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 44 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75.1 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 6.8:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 925 kg | 1231 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |
