1978 Simca Horizon vs. 1981 Vauxhall Chevette
To start off, 1981 Vauxhall Chevette is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Simca Horizon. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Simca Horizon 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 13 more horse power than 1981 Vauxhall Chevette. (56 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Simca Horizon should accelerate faster than 1981 Vauxhall Chevette. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Simca Horizon weights approximately 120 kg more than 1981 Vauxhall Chevette. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 Vauxhall Chevette 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 1981 Vauxhall Chevette. 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 27 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Vauxhall Chevette. (89 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1978 Simca Horizon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Vauxhall Chevette.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Simca Horizon | 1981 Vauxhall Chevette | |
| Make | Simca | Vauxhall |
| Model | Horizon | Chevette |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1442 cc | 1256 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 69 HP | 56 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 116 Nm | 89 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76.7 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 61 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 975 kg | 855 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3970 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2400 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 47 L | 45 L |
