1987 Peugeot 309 vs. 1970 Volkswagen 1600
To start off, 1987 Peugeot 309 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Volkswagen 1600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Volkswagen 1600 would be higher. At 1,582 cc (4 cylinders), 1970 Volkswagen 1600 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Peugeot 309 (53 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1970 Volkswagen 1600. (52 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 Peugeot 309 should accelerate faster than 1970 Volkswagen 1600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Volkswagen 1600 weights approximately 160 kg more than 1987 Peugeot 309.
Because 1970 Volkswagen 1600 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 1970 Volkswagen 1600. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1987 Peugeot 309, 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, 1970 Volkswagen 1600 (110 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Peugeot 309. (88 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1970 Volkswagen 1600 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Peugeot 309.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Peugeot 309 | 1970 Volkswagen 1600 | |
| Make | Peugeot | Volkswagen |
| Model | 309 | 1600 |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1970 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1118 cc | 1582 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 52 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 88 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 850 kg | 1010 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2340 mm |
