1978 Fiat Ritmo vs. 1962 Simca 1000
To start off, 1978 Fiat Ritmo is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Simca 1000. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Simca 1000 would be higher. At 1,049 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Fiat Ritmo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Fiat Ritmo (59 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1962 Simca 1000. (51 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Fiat Ritmo should accelerate faster than 1962 Simca 1000. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Fiat Ritmo weights approximately 128 kg more than 1962 Simca 1000. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1962 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 1962 Simca 1000. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Fiat Ritmo, 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 Fiat Ritmo (81 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Simca 1000. (73 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1978 Fiat Ritmo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Simca 1000.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Fiat Ritmo | 1962 Simca 1000 | |
| Make | Fiat | Simca |
| Model | Ritmo | 1000 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1962 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1049 cc | 944 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 51 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 81 Nm | 73 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 68 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 55.5 mm | 65 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 8.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 860 kg | 732 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3940 mm | 3930 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1530 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2230 mm |
