1978 Peugeot 305 vs. 1963 Peugeot 404
To start off, 1978 Peugeot 305 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 Peugeot 404. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 Peugeot 404 would be higher. At 1,618 cc (4 cylinders), 1963 Peugeot 404 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Peugeot 305 (94 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1963 Peugeot 404. (73 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Peugeot 305 should accelerate faster than 1963 Peugeot 404. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1963 Peugeot 404 weights approximately 90 kg more than 1978 Peugeot 305.
Because 1963 Peugeot 404 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 1963 Peugeot 404. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Peugeot 305, 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, 1963 Peugeot 404 (133 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Peugeot 305. (132 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1963 Peugeot 404 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Peugeot 305.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Peugeot 305 | 1963 Peugeot 404 | |
| Make | Peugeot | Peugeot |
| Model | 305 | 404 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1963 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1548 cc | 1618 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 94 HP | 73 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 132 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 8.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 975 kg | 1065 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2650 mm |
