1988 Lancia Thema vs. 1959 Peugeot 203
To start off, 1988 Lancia Thema is newer by 29 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Lancia Thema is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Lancia Thema (185 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 141 more horse power than 1959 Peugeot 203. (44 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Lancia Thema should accelerate faster than 1959 Peugeot 203. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Lancia Thema weights approximately 165 kg more than 1959 Peugeot 203. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1988 Lancia Thema, 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, 1988 Lancia Thema (320 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 246 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Peugeot 203. (74 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1988 Lancia Thema will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Peugeot 203.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Lancia Thema | 1959 Peugeot 203 | |
| Make | Lancia | Peugeot |
| Model | Thema | 203 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1357 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 44 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 74 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 6.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1285 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4600 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1680 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2790 mm |
