2008 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1959 Peugeot 203
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 49 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 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL (510 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 466 more horse power than 1959 Peugeot 203. (44 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1959 Peugeot 203. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 835 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.
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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL (720 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 646 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Peugeot 203. (74 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Peugeot 203. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL 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. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1959 Peugeot 203 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Peugeot |
| Model | SL | 203 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5439 cc | 1357 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 510 HP | 44 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 720 Nm | 74 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 6.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1955 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1680 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2790 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 50 L |
