1963 Abarth 1600 vs. 1968 Simca 1100
To start off, 1968 Simca 1100 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 Abarth 1600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 Abarth 1600 would be higher. At 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 1963 Abarth 1600 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1963 Abarth 1600 (155 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 98 more horse power than 1968 Simca 1100. (57 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1963 Abarth 1600 should accelerate faster than 1968 Simca 1100. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Simca 1100 weights approximately 206 kg more than 1963 Abarth 1600.
Because 1963 Abarth 1600 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 1963 Abarth 1600. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1968 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, 1963 Abarth 1600 (167 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 76 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Simca 1100. (91 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1963 Abarth 1600 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Simca 1100.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 Abarth 1600 | 1968 Simca 1100 | |
| Make | Abarth | Simca |
| Model | 1600 | 1100 |
| Year Released | 1963 | 1968 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1204 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 155 HP | 57 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 91 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Top Speed | 240 km/hour | 130 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 744 kg | 950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3710 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1130 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2100 mm | 2530 mm |
