1986 Ford Escort vs. 1959 Peugeot 203
To start off, 1986 Ford Escort is newer by 27 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 1,289 cc (4 cylinders), 1959 Peugeot 203 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Ford Escort (48 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1959 Peugeot 203. (44 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 1959 Peugeot 203. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Peugeot 203 weights approximately 55 kg more than 1986 Ford Escort.
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, 1986 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, 1986 Ford Escort (83 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Peugeot 203. (80 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1986 Ford Escort will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Peugeot 203.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Ford Escort | 1959 Peugeot 203 | |
| Make | Ford | Peugeot |
| Model | Escort | 203 |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1115 cc | 1289 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 48 HP | 44 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 83 Nm | 80 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 65 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 6.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 870 kg | 925 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1610 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 70 L |
