2002 Citroen C3 vs. 1959 Peugeot 203
To start off, 2002 Citroen C3 is newer by 43 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 1,360 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Citroen C3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Citroen C3 (89 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1959 Peugeot 203. (44 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Citroen C3 should accelerate faster than 1959 Peugeot 203. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Citroen C3 weights approximately 295 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, 2002 Citroen C3, 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, 2002 Citroen C3 (115 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Peugeot 203. (80 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2002 Citroen C3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Peugeot 203. 2002 Citroen C3 has automatic transmission and 1959 Peugeot 203 has manual transmission. 1959 Peugeot 203 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Citroen C3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Citroen C3 | 1959 Peugeot 203 | |
| Make | Citroen | Peugeot |
| Model | C3 | 203 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1959 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1360 cc | 1288 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 44 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 115 Nm | 80 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1279 kg | 984 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 50 L |
