1981 Ford Fiesta vs. 1959 Peugeot 203
To start off, 1981 Ford Fiesta is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Peugeot 203. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Peugeot 203 would be higher. At 1,608 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Ford Fiesta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Ford Fiesta (83 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 1959 Peugeot 203. (44 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Ford Fiesta should accelerate faster than 1959 Peugeot 203. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Peugeot 203 weights approximately 320 kg more than 1981 Ford Fiesta.
Because 1959 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 1959 Peugeot 203. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Ford Fiesta, 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, 1981 Ford Fiesta (129 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Peugeot 203. (74 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1981 Ford Fiesta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Peugeot 203.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Fiesta | 1959 Peugeot 203 | |
| Make | Ford | Peugeot |
| Model | Fiesta | 203 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1608 cc | 1357 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 83 HP | 44 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 129 Nm | 74 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 6.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 800 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1680 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2790 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 50 L |
