1970 Opel Olympia vs. 1978 Simca Horizon
To start off, 1978 Simca Horizon is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Opel Olympia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Opel Olympia would be higher. At 1,442 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Simca Horizon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Simca Horizon (69 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1970 Opel Olympia. (59 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Simca Horizon should accelerate faster than 1970 Opel Olympia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Simca Horizon weights approximately 195 kg more than 1970 Opel Olympia. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1970 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 1970 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 (116 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Opel Olympia. (83 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1978 Simca Horizon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Opel Olympia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Opel Olympia | 1978 Simca Horizon | |
| Make | Opel | Simca |
| Model | Olympia | Horizon |
| Year Released | 1970 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1078 cc | 1442 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 69 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 83 Nm | 116 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 76.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 61 mm | 78 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 780 kg | 975 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 3970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2420 mm | 2530 mm |
