1959 Peugeot 203 vs. 1977 Renault 12
To start off, 1977 Renault 12 is newer by 18 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. Both 1959 Peugeot 203 and 1977 Renault 12 are equipped with a 1,289 cc engine. In terms of performance, 1977 Renault 12 (53 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1959 Peugeot 203. (44 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1977 Renault 12 should accelerate faster than 1959 Peugeot 203. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Renault 12 weights approximately 25 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.
Because 1959 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 1959 Peugeot 203. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1977 Renault 12, 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, 1977 Renault 12 (96 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Peugeot 203. (80 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1977 Renault 12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Peugeot 203.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Peugeot 203 | 1977 Renault 12 | |
| Make | Peugeot | Renault |
| Model | 203 | 12 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1977 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1289 cc | 1289 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 44 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 925 kg | 950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2450 mm |
