1966 Riley Kestrel vs. 1965 Simca 1000
To start off, 1966 Riley Kestrel is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1965 Simca 1000. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1965 Simca 1000 would be higher. At 1,098 cc (4 cylinders), 1966 Riley Kestrel is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1966 Riley Kestrel (53 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1965 Simca 1000. (51 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1966 Riley Kestrel should accelerate faster than 1965 Simca 1000. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1966 Riley Kestrel weights approximately 155 kg more than 1965 Simca 1000. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1965 Simca 1000 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 1965 Simca 1000. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1966 Riley Kestrel, 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, 1966 Riley Kestrel (83 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 1965 Simca 1000. (73 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1966 Riley Kestrel will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1965 Simca 1000.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Riley Kestrel | 1965 Simca 1000 | |
| Make | Riley | Simca |
| Model | Kestrel | 1000 |
| Year Released | 1966 | 1965 |
| Engine Size | 1098 cc | 944 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 51 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 83 Nm | 73 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 8.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 885 kg | 730 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 3930 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1530 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2380 mm | 2230 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 25 L | 36 L |
