1988 Peugeot 205 vs. 1953 Peugeot 203
To start off, 1988 Peugeot 205 is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1953 Peugeot 203. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1953 Peugeot 203 would be higher. At 1,294 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Peugeot 205 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Peugeot 205 (102 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 1953 Peugeot 203. (44 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Peugeot 205 should accelerate faster than 1953 Peugeot 203. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1953 Peugeot 203 weights approximately 330 kg more than 1988 Peugeot 205.
Because 1953 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 1953 Peugeot 203. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Peugeot 205, 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 Peugeot 205 (122 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1953 Peugeot 203. (77 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1988 Peugeot 205 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1953 Peugeot 203.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Peugeot 205 | 1953 Peugeot 203 | |
| Make | Peugeot | Peugeot |
| Model | 205 | 203 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1953 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1294 cc | 1287 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 102 HP | 44 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 122 Nm | 77 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73.2 mm | 73 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 790 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3710 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1660 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2790 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 50 L |
