1949 Simca 8 vs. 2012 Fiat Panda
To start off, 2012 Fiat Panda is newer by 63 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1949 Simca 8. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1949 Simca 8 would be higher. At 1,220 cc (4 cylinders), 1949 Simca 8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Fiat Panda (53 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1949 Simca 8. (49 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Fiat Panda should accelerate faster than 1949 Simca 8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1949 Simca 8 weights approximately 35 kg more than 2012 Fiat Panda.
Because 1949 Simca 8 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 Simca 8. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Fiat Panda, 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, both vehicles can yield 88 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles.
Compare all specifications:
| 1949 Simca 8 | 2012 Fiat Panda | |
| Make | Simca | Fiat |
| Model | 8 | Panda |
| Year Released | 1949 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1220 cc | 1107 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 88 Nm | 88 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74.1 mm | 70 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 6.8:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 950 kg | 915 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 3540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1480 mm | 1600 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2310 mm |
