1976 Peugeot 304 vs. 1970 Volkswagen 1600
To start off, 1976 Peugeot 304 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Volkswagen 1600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Volkswagen 1600 would be higher. At 1,582 cc (4 cylinders), 1970 Volkswagen 1600 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Peugeot 304 (64 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1970 Volkswagen 1600. (52 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1976 Peugeot 304 should accelerate faster than 1970 Volkswagen 1600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Volkswagen 1600 weights approximately 60 kg more than 1976 Peugeot 304.
Because 1970 Volkswagen 1600 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 1970 Volkswagen 1600. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1976 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, 1970 Volkswagen 1600 (110 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Peugeot 304. (94 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1970 Volkswagen 1600 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Peugeot 304.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Peugeot 304 | 1970 Volkswagen 1600 | |
| Make | Peugeot | Volkswagen |
| Model | 304 | 1600 |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1970 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1290 cc | 1582 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 64 HP | 52 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 94 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 85.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 67.6 mm | 69 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 7.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 950 kg | 1010 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4150 mm | 4230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 42 L | 40 L |
