1968 Opel Olympia vs. 1978 Simca Horizon
To start off, 1978 Simca Horizon is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Opel Olympia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Opel Olympia would be higher. At 1,118 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Simca Horizon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Opel Olympia (59 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1978 Simca Horizon. (58 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1968 Opel Olympia should accelerate faster than 1978 Simca Horizon. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Simca Horizon weights approximately 165 kg more than 1968 Opel Olympia.
Because 1968 Opel Olympia 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 1968 Opel Olympia. 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, 1978 Simca Horizon (89 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Opel Olympia. (86 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1978 Simca Horizon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Opel Olympia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Opel Olympia | 1978 Simca Horizon | |
| Make | Opel | Simca |
| Model | Olympia | Horizon |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1078 cc | 1118 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 58 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 86 Nm | 89 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 74.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 61 mm | 65 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 780 kg | 945 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 3970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2420 mm | 2530 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 47 L |
