1960 Abarth 850 vs. 1981 Simca 1100
To start off, 1981 Simca 1100 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1960 Abarth 850. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1960 Abarth 850 would be higher. At 1,118 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Simca 1100 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Simca 1100 (59 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1960 Abarth 850. (51 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Simca 1100 should accelerate faster than 1960 Abarth 850. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Simca 1100 weights approximately 342 kg more than 1960 Abarth 850. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1960 Abarth 850 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 1960 Abarth 850. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Simca 1100, 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, 1981 Simca 1100 (86 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Abarth 850. (70 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1981 Simca 1100 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 Abarth 850.
Compare all specifications:
| 1960 Abarth 850 | 1981 Simca 1100 | |
| Make | Abarth | Simca |
| Model | 850 | 1100 |
| Year Released | 1960 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 850 cc | 1118 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 70 Nm | 86 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.5 mm | 74 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69 mm | 65 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 570 kg | 912 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3600 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1360 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2530 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 47 L |
