1983 Austin Maestro vs. 1956 Peugeot 203
To start off, 1983 Austin Maestro is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Peugeot 203. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Peugeot 203 would be higher. At 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 1983 Austin Maestro is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Austin Maestro (86 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1956 Peugeot 203. (44 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1983 Austin Maestro should accelerate faster than 1956 Peugeot 203. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Austin Maestro weights approximately 4 kg more than 1956 Peugeot 203. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1956 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 1956 Peugeot 203. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1983 Austin Maestro, 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, 1983 Austin Maestro (123 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Peugeot 203. (77 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1983 Austin Maestro will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Peugeot 203. 1983 Austin Maestro has automatic transmission and 1956 Peugeot 203 has manual transmission. 1956 Peugeot 203 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1983 Austin Maestro will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Austin Maestro | 1956 Peugeot 203 | |
| Make | Austin | Peugeot |
| Model | Maestro | 203 |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1956 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1289 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 44 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 123 Nm | 77 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76.2 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87.6 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 984 kg | 980 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2580 mm |
