1953 Austin A 30 vs. 1978 Simca Horizon
To start off, 1978 Simca Horizon is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1953 Austin A 30. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1953 Austin A 30 would be higher. At 1,118 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Simca Horizon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Simca Horizon (58 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1953 Austin A 30. (28 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Simca Horizon should accelerate faster than 1953 Austin A 30. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Simca Horizon weights approximately 265 kg more than 1953 Austin A 30. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1953 Austin A 30 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 1953 Austin A 30. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Simca Horizon, 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, 1978 Simca Horizon (89 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 1953 Austin A 30. (54 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1978 Simca Horizon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1953 Austin A 30.
Compare all specifications:
| 1953 Austin A 30 | 1978 Simca Horizon | |
| Make | Austin | Simca |
| Model | A 30 | Horizon |
| Year Released | 1953 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 802 cc | 1118 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 28 HP | 58 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 54 Nm | 89 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 58 mm | 74.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76 mm | 65 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.2:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 680 kg | 945 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3470 mm | 3970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1410 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2030 mm | 2530 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 47 L |
