1959 Peugeot 203 vs. 1991 Renault 21
To start off, 1991 Renault 21 is newer by 32 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 1,721 cc (4 cylinders), 1991 Renault 21 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Renault 21 (75 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 1959 Peugeot 203. (44 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1991 Renault 21 should accelerate faster than 1959 Peugeot 203. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1991 Renault 21 weights approximately 95 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, 1991 Renault 21, 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, 1991 Renault 21 (129 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Peugeot 203. (80 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1991 Renault 21 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Peugeot 203.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Peugeot 203 | 1991 Renault 21 | |
| Make | Peugeot | Renault |
| Model | 203 | 21 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1991 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1289 cc | 1721 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 44 HP | 75 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 129 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73 mm | 83.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 6.8:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 925 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 4650 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2820 mm |
