1959 Fiat 1500 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 1500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Fiat 1500 would be higher. At 1,490 cc (4 cylinders), 1959 Fiat 1500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Fiat 1500 (80 HP) has 22 more horse power than 1978 Simca Horizon. (58 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1959 Fiat 1500 should accelerate faster than 1978 Simca Horizon. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Fiat 1500 weights approximately 45 kg more than 1978 Simca Horizon. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 Fiat 1500 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 1500. 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, 1959 Fiat 1500 (104 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Simca Horizon. (89 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1959 Fiat 1500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Simca Horizon.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Fiat 1500 | 1978 Simca Horizon | |
| Make | Fiat | Simca |
| Model | 1500 | Horizon |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1490 cc | 1118 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 80 HP | 58 HP |
| Torque | 104 Nm | 89 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 74.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 65 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.7:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 945 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 |
