1961 Austin Mini Cooper vs. 1959 Peugeot 203
To start off, 1961 Austin Mini Cooper is newer by 2 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 1,288 cc (4 cylinders), 1959 Peugeot 203 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1961 Austin Mini Cooper (54 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1959 Peugeot 203. (44 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1961 Austin Mini Cooper should accelerate faster than 1959 Peugeot 203. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Peugeot 203 weights approximately 400 kg more than 1961 Austin Mini Cooper.
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, 1961 Austin Mini Cooper, 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, 1959 Peugeot 203 (80 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Austin Mini Cooper. (74 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1959 Peugeot 203 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Austin Mini Cooper.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Austin Mini Cooper | 1959 Peugeot 203 | |
| Make | Austin | Peugeot |
| Model | Mini Cooper | 203 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 1288 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 54 HP | 44 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 74 Nm | 80 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.4 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.3 mm | 73 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 584 kg | 984 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3050 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1400 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2040 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 25 L | 50 L |
