1982 Lancia Beta vs. 1955 Peugeot 403
To start off, 1982 Lancia Beta is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Peugeot 403. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Peugeot 403 would be higher. At 1,468 cc (4 cylinders), 1955 Peugeot 403 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1982 Lancia Beta (82 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1955 Peugeot 403. (57 HP @ 4900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1982 Lancia Beta should accelerate faster than 1955 Peugeot 403. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1955 Peugeot 403 weights approximately 300 kg more than 1982 Lancia Beta.
Because 1955 Peugeot 403 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 1955 Peugeot 403. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1982 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, 1982 Lancia Beta (108 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Peugeot 403. (102 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1982 Lancia Beta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Peugeot 403.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Lancia Beta | 1955 Peugeot 403 | |
| Make | Lancia | Peugeot |
| Model | Beta | 403 |
| Year Released | 1982 | 1955 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1367 cc | 1468 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 82 HP | 57 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Torque | 108 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.5 mm | 73 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 50 L |
