1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 vs. 1956 Peugeot 203
To start off, 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Peugeot 203. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Peugeot 203 would be higher. At 3,499 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 (200 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 156 more horse power than 1956 Peugeot 203. (44 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 should accelerate faster than 1956 Peugeot 203. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 weights approximately 615 kg more than 1956 Peugeot 203. 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, 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 (286 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 209 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Peugeot 203. (77 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Peugeot 203. 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 has automatic transmission and 1956 Peugeot 203 has manual transmission. 1956 Peugeot 203 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 | 1956 Peugeot 203 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Peugeot |
| Model | 350 | 203 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1956 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3499 cc | 1289 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 44 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 286 Nm | 77 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1595 kg | 980 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4750 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2580 mm |
