1961 Abarth 700 vs. 1972 Simca 1100
To start off, 1972 Simca 1100 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Abarth 700. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Abarth 700 would be higher. At 1,117 cc (4 cylinders), 1972 Simca 1100 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1961 Abarth 700 (63 HP @ 7600 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1972 Simca 1100. (59 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1961 Abarth 700 should accelerate faster than 1972 Simca 1100. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Simca 1100 weights approximately 340 kg more than 1961 Abarth 700.
Because 1961 Abarth 700 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 1961 Abarth 700. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1972 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, 1972 Simca 1100 (86 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Abarth 700. (69 Nm @ 5800 RPM). This means 1972 Simca 1100 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Abarth 700.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Abarth 700 | 1972 Simca 1100 | |
| Make | Abarth | Simca |
| Model | 700 | 1100 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 696 cc | 1117 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 63 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7600 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 69 Nm | 86 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5800 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 570 kg | 910 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3480 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1360 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2530 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 47 L |
