1958 Peugeot 203 vs. 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 45 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 1,390 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle (70 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1958 Peugeot 203. (44 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle should accelerate faster than 1958 Peugeot 203. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 148 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.
Because 1958 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 1958 Peugeot 203. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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, 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle (130 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 52 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Peugeot 203. (78 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Peugeot 203.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Peugeot 203 | 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Peugeot | Volkswagen |
| Model | 203 | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1958 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1288 cc | 1390 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 44 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 78 Nm | 130 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73 mm | 75.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 1268 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1680 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2790 mm | 3010 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 55 L |
