1973 Peugeot 304 vs. 1972 Plymouth Valiant
To start off, 1973 Peugeot 304 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Plymouth Valiant. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Plymouth Valiant would be higher. At 5,562 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Plymouth Valiant is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Plymouth Valiant (240 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 176 more horse power than 1973 Peugeot 304. (64 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 Plymouth Valiant should accelerate faster than 1973 Peugeot 304. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Plymouth Valiant weights approximately 459 kg more than 1973 Peugeot 304. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 Plymouth Valiant 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 1972 Plymouth Valiant. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1973 Peugeot 304, 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, 1972 Plymouth Valiant (401 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 307 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Peugeot 304. (94 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1972 Plymouth Valiant will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Peugeot 304.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Peugeot 304 | 1972 Plymouth Valiant | |
| Make | Peugeot | Plymouth |
| Model | 304 | Valiant |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1290 cc | 5562 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 64 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 94 Nm | 401 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 102.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 84.1 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 915 kg | 1374 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4150 mm | 4800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2750 mm |
