1973 Fiat 500 vs. 1978 Simca Horizon
To start off, 1978 Simca Horizon is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Fiat 500 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 51 more horse power than 1973 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Simca Horizon should accelerate faster than 1973 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Simca Horizon weights approximately 465 kg more than 1973 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1973 Fiat 500 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 1973 Fiat 500. 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 89 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1978 Simca Horizon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Fiat 500 | 1978 Simca Horizon | |
| Make | Fiat | Simca |
| Model | 500 | Horizon |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 1442 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 69 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 27 Nm | 116 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 67.4 mm | 76.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 78 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 510 kg | 975 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 3970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2530 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 22 L | 47 L |
