1976 Lancia Beta vs. 1954 Peugeot 203
To start off, 1976 Lancia Beta is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1954 Peugeot 203. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 Peugeot 203 would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 1976 Lancia Beta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Lancia Beta (115 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1954 Peugeot 203. (45 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1976 Lancia Beta should accelerate faster than 1954 Peugeot 203. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1954 Peugeot 203 weights approximately 120 kg more than 1976 Lancia Beta.
Because 1954 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 1954 Peugeot 203. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1976 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, 1976 Lancia Beta (176 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 99 more torque (in Nm) than 1954 Peugeot 203. (77 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1976 Lancia Beta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1954 Peugeot 203.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Lancia Beta | 1954 Peugeot 203 | |
| Make | Lancia | Peugeot |
| Model | Beta | 203 |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1954 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1288 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 45 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 77 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.9:1 | 6.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1660 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2790 mm |
