1981 Matra-Simca Murena vs. 1961 Simca Ariane
To start off, 1981 Matra-Simca Murena is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Simca Ariane. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Simca Ariane would be higher. At 2,154 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Matra-Simca Murena is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Matra-Simca Murena (91 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1961 Simca Ariane. (62 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Matra-Simca Murena should accelerate faster than 1961 Simca Ariane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Simca Ariane weights approximately 105 kg more than 1981 Matra-Simca Murena.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1981 Matra-Simca Murena (136 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Simca Ariane. (90 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 1981 Matra-Simca Murena will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Simca Ariane.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Matra-Simca Murena | 1961 Simca Ariane | |
| Make | Matra-Simca | Simca |
| Model | Murena | Ariane |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1961 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2154 cc | 1288 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 91 HP | 62 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 136 Nm | 90 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 995 kg | 1100 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4080 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2700 mm |
