1958 Peugeot 203 vs. 1976 Chrysler 1609
To start off, 1976 Chrysler 1609 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Peugeot 203. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Peugeot 203 would be higher. At 1,812 cc (4 cylinders), 1976 Chrysler 1609 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Chrysler 1609 (100 HP) has 56 more horse power than 1958 Peugeot 203. (44 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1976 Chrysler 1609 should accelerate faster than 1958 Peugeot 203. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Chrysler 1609 weights approximately 175 kg more than 1958 Peugeot 203. 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, 1976 Chrysler 1609 (144 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 64 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Peugeot 203. (80 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1976 Chrysler 1609 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Peugeot 203. 1976 Chrysler 1609 has automatic transmission and 1958 Peugeot 203 has manual transmission. 1958 Peugeot 203 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1976 Chrysler 1609 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Peugeot 203 | 1976 Chrysler 1609 | |
| Make | Peugeot | Chrysler |
| Model | 203 | 1609 |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1290 cc | 1812 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 44 HP | 100 HP |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 144 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 925 kg | 1100 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2670 mm |
