1959 Peugeot 203 vs. 1965 Volvo 122
To start off, 1965 Volvo 122 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Peugeot 203. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Peugeot 203 would be higher. At 1,782 cc (4 cylinders), 1965 Volvo 122 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1965 Volvo 122 (86 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1959 Peugeot 203. (44 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1965 Volvo 122 should accelerate faster than 1959 Peugeot 203. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1965 Volvo 122 weights approximately 108 kg more than 1959 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, 1965 Volvo 122 (140 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Peugeot 203. (80 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1965 Volvo 122 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Peugeot 203.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Peugeot 203 | 1965 Volvo 122 | |
| Make | Peugeot | Volvo |
| Model | 203 | 122 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1965 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1288 cc | 1782 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 44 HP | 86 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 84.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 8.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 984 kg | 1092 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2610 mm |
