1985 Mazda 121 vs. 1955 Peugeot 403
To start off, 1985 Mazda 121 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 1,468 cc (4 cylinders), 1955 Peugeot 403 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Mazda 121 (55 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1955 Peugeot 403. (44 HP @ 4900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 Mazda 121 should accelerate faster than 1955 Peugeot 403. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1955 Peugeot 403 weights approximately 443 kg more than 1985 Mazda 121.
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 Mazda 121, 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 Mazda 121 (88 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Peugeot 403. (74 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1985 Mazda 121 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Peugeot 403.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Mazda 121 | 1955 Peugeot 403 | |
| Make | Mazda | Peugeot |
| Model | 121 | 403 |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1955 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1138 cc | 1468 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 55 HP | 44 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Torque | 88 Nm | 74 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 725 kg | 1168 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3480 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 2900 mm |
