1949 Austin 16 vs. 1979 Simca 1308
To start off, 1979 Simca 1308 is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1949 Austin 16. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1949 Austin 16 would be higher. At 2,200 cc (4 cylinders), 1949 Austin 16 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Simca 1308 (67 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1949 Austin 16. (63 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Simca 1308 should accelerate faster than 1949 Austin 16. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1949 Austin 16 weights approximately 240 kg more than 1979 Simca 1308.
Because 1949 Austin 16 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 1949 Austin 16. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 Simca 1308, 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, 1949 Austin 16 (147 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Simca 1308. (107 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1949 Austin 16 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Simca 1308.
Compare all specifications:
| 1949 Austin 16 | 1979 Simca 1308 | |
| Make | Austin | Simca |
| Model | 16 | 1308 |
| Year Released | 1949 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2200 cc | 1292 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 63 HP | 67 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 147 Nm | 107 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79.4 mm | 76.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 111.1 mm | 70 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 1040 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1690 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 58 L |
