1959 Fiat 1200 vs. 1972 Peugeot 304
To start off, 1972 Peugeot 304 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Fiat 1200. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Fiat 1200 would be higher. At 1,290 cc (4 cylinders), 1972 Peugeot 304 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Peugeot 304 (64 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1959 Fiat 1200. (53 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 Peugeot 304 should accelerate faster than 1959 Fiat 1200. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Peugeot 304 weights approximately 25 kg more than 1959 Fiat 1200. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 Fiat 1200 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 1959 Fiat 1200. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1972 Peugeot 304, 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, 1972 Peugeot 304 (95 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Fiat 1200. (81 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1972 Peugeot 304 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Fiat 1200.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Fiat 1200 | 1972 Peugeot 304 | |
| Make | Fiat | Peugeot |
| Model | 1200 | 304 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1221 cc | 1290 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 64 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 81 Nm | 95 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 72 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 67.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 925 kg | 950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4040 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1460 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2600 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 37 L | 42 L |
