2003 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1955 Peugeot 403
To start off, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 48 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Peugeot 403. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Peugeot 403 would be higher. At 1,597 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 (118 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 1955 Peugeot 403. (44 HP @ 4900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1955 Peugeot 403. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 183 kg more than 1955 Peugeot 403. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1955 Peugeot 403 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 1955 Peugeot 403. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156, 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, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 (146 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 72 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Peugeot 403. (74 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Peugeot 403.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1955 Peugeot 403 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Peugeot |
| Model | 156 | 403 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1955 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 1466 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 44 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 74 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.7 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 7.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 1067 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 50 L |
