1975 Fiat 500 vs. 1979 Simca 1100
To start off, 1979 Simca 1100 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 1,442 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Simca 1100 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Simca 1100 (82 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 1975 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Simca 1100 should accelerate faster than 1975 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Simca 1100 weights approximately 410 kg more than 1975 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1975 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 1975 Fiat 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 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, 1979 Simca 1100 (124 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 97 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1979 Simca 1100 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1975 Fiat 500 | 1979 Simca 1100 | |
| Make | Fiat | Simca |
| Model | 500 | 1100 |
| Year Released | 1975 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 498 cc | 1442 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 82 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 27 Nm | 124 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 67.4 mm | 76.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 78 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 510 kg | 920 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2530 mm |
