1961 Fiat 500 vs. 1955 Peugeot 403
To start off, 1961 Fiat 500 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Peugeot 403. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Peugeot 403 would be higher. At 1,468 cc (4 cylinders), 1955 Peugeot 403 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1955 Peugeot 403 (44 HP @ 4900 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1961 Fiat 500. (22 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1955 Peugeot 403 should accelerate faster than 1961 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1955 Peugeot 403 weights approximately 628 kg more than 1961 Fiat 500. 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, 1955 Peugeot 403 (74 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 38 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Fiat 500. (36 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1955 Peugeot 403 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Fiat 500 | 1955 Peugeot 403 | |
| Make | Fiat | Peugeot |
| Model | 500 | 403 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1955 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 1468 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 22 HP | 44 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Torque | 36 Nm | 74 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 67.4 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.1:1 | 7.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 1168 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3190 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1950 mm | 2900 mm |
