1985 Ford Escort vs. 1955 Peugeot 403
To start off, 1985 Ford Escort is newer by 30 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 1,597 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Ford Escort (132 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 88 more horse power than 1955 Peugeot 403. (44 HP @ 4900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 1955 Peugeot 403. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Ford Escort weights approximately 13 kg more than 1955 Peugeot 403. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1985 Ford Escort, 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, 1985 Ford Escort (180 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 106 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Peugeot 403. (74 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1985 Ford Escort will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Peugeot 403.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Ford Escort | 1955 Peugeot 403 | |
| Make | Ford | Peugeot |
| Model | Escort | 403 |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1955 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 1466 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 132 HP | 44 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 74 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.2:1 | 7.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1080 kg | 1067 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4070 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2670 mm |
