1958 Abarth 500 vs. 1959 Peugeot 203
To start off, 1959 Peugeot 203 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Abarth 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Abarth 500 would be higher. At 1,289 cc (4 cylinders), 1959 Peugeot 203 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Peugeot 203 (44 HP) has 24 more horse power than 1958 Abarth 500. (20 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1959 Peugeot 203 should accelerate faster than 1958 Abarth 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Peugeot 203 weights approximately 480 kg more than 1958 Abarth 500. 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, 1959 Peugeot 203 (80 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Abarth 500. (32 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1959 Peugeot 203 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Abarth 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Abarth 500 | 1959 Peugeot 203 | |
| Make | Abarth | Peugeot |
| Model | 500 | 203 |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 479 cc | 1289 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 20 HP | 44 HP |
| Torque | 32 Nm | 80 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 73 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 445 kg | 925 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1610 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 70 L |
