1958 Peugeot 203 vs. 2009 Citroen Xsara
To start off, 2009 Citroen Xsara is newer by 51 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 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Citroen Xsara is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Citroen Xsara (108 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 1958 Peugeot 203. (44 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Citroen Xsara should accelerate faster than 1958 Peugeot 203. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Citroen Xsara weights approximately 311 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, 2009 Citroen Xsara, 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, 2009 Citroen Xsara (250 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 170 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Peugeot 203. (80 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2009 Citroen Xsara will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Peugeot 203. 2009 Citroen Xsara 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. 2009 Citroen Xsara will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Peugeot 203 | 2009 Citroen Xsara | |
| Make | Peugeot | Citroen |
| Model | 203 | Xsara |
| Year Released | 1958 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1294 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 44 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 1291 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 4190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 54 L |
