1975 Lancia Beta vs. 1956 Peugeot 203
To start off, 1975 Lancia Beta is newer by 19 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 1975 Lancia Beta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1975 Lancia Beta (115 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 1956 Peugeot 203. (44 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1975 Lancia Beta should accelerate faster than 1956 Peugeot 203. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1975 Lancia Beta weights approximately 20 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.
Because 1956 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 1956 Peugeot 203. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1975 Lancia Beta, 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, 1975 Lancia Beta (175 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 98 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Peugeot 203. (77 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1975 Lancia Beta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Peugeot 203.
Compare all specifications:
| 1975 Lancia Beta | 1956 Peugeot 203 | |
| Make | Lancia | Peugeot |
| Model | Beta | 203 |
| Year Released | 1975 | 1956 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1289 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 44 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 77 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 980 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 50 L |
