2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1956 Peugeot 203
To start off, 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 47 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Peugeot 203. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Peugeot 203 would be higher. At 1,596 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata (104 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 1956 Peugeot 203. (44 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1956 Peugeot 203. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 136 kg more than 1956 Peugeot 203. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 Mazda MX-5 Miata (134 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 57 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Peugeot 203. (77 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Peugeot 203.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1956 Peugeot 203 | |
| Make | Mazda | Peugeot |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | 203 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1956 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 1289 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 44 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 134 Nm | 77 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1116 kg | 980 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 50 L |
