1959 Fiat 1200 vs. 1978 Simca Horizon
To start off, 1978 Simca Horizon is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Fiat 1200. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Fiat 1200 would be higher. At 1,442 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Simca Horizon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Simca Horizon (69 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1959 Fiat 1200. (57 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Simca Horizon should accelerate faster than 1959 Fiat 1200. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Simca Horizon weights approximately 70 kg more than 1959 Fiat 1200. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 Fiat 1200 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 1959 Fiat 1200. 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 (116 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Fiat 1200. (83 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1978 Simca Horizon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Fiat 1200.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Fiat 1200 | 1978 Simca Horizon | |
| Make | Fiat | Simca |
| Model | 1200 | Horizon |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1220 cc | 1442 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 57 HP | 69 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 83 Nm | 116 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 72 mm | 76.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 78 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 905 kg | 975 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4040 mm | 3970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2530 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 37 L | 47 L |
