1961 Mercedes-Benz SE vs. 1965 Peugeot 204
To start off, 1965 Peugeot 204 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE would be higher. At 2,193 cc (6 cylinders), 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE (118 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 1965 Peugeot 204. (44 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE should accelerate faster than 1965 Peugeot 204. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE weights approximately 630 kg more than 1965 Peugeot 204. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE 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 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1965 Peugeot 204, 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, 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE (189 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 117 more torque (in Nm) than 1965 Peugeot 204. (72 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1965 Peugeot 204.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE | 1965 Peugeot 204 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Peugeot |
| Model | SE | 204 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1965 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2193 cc | 1255 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 44 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 189 Nm | 72 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 71 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.7:1 | 22.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1520 kg | 890 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2600 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 42 L |
