Eight thousand in the exam - comparison of Audi, Citroën, Datsun, Fiat, Mini, Peugeot, Renault and Simca
Summary
In the winter of 1974/1975, the magazine 'hobby' compared eight compact cars from five countries in a meticulous test that required driving on the Nordschleife and the participation of eight test drivers: the Audi 50 competed against the Citroën Ami Super, Datsun Cherry, Fiat 127, Innocenti Mini, Peugeot 104, Renault 5 and Simca 1000 GLE and won hands down. The Datsun Cherry came second, but this was not the only surprise in the extensive comparison test. This article re-edits the findings of that time, showing the results in detail and the vehicles in many archive photos from back then.
This article contains the following chapters
- The new and modern Audi 50
- The unconventional Citroën Ami Super
- The baroque Datsun Cherry
- The almost ideal Fiat 127
- The progenitor Innocenti 1001 Mini
- The smallest four-door Peugeot 104
- The modern Renault 5
- The unconventional Simca 1000 GLE
- Rating "Bodywork"
- Rating "Driving"
- Rating "Motor"
- A head start for the Audi 50
- Audi 50 remains in the lead
- Driving performance measurements
- Evaluation "Costs"
- The Audi 50 is only outperformed in the cost category
- The well-balanced Datsun Cherry
- Fiat 127 - role model for the young car generation
- Lack of variability in the Peugeot 104
- The modular specialist Renault 5 TL
- Cheap and different with a rear engine, the Simca 1000 GLE
- Innocenti Mini 1001 - the classic for enthusiasts
- The playful Frenchman Citroën Ami Super
- The ideal concept for success
- Overall ranking
- Technical data in comparison
- Equipment comparison
Estimated reading time: 30min
Preview (beginning of the article)
hobby selected eight cars for a comparative test to show what buyers can expect in a class that is one idea higher than that of simple models from the Fiat 126 to the 2 CV to the Renault 4. This is the 1000 cc displacement class. The selection is truly international: four cars from France are up against one each from Germany, England, Italy and Japan. The preponderance of the French can be explained by the fact that each of the four major French car manufacturers is trying to attract buyers in the 1000 cc class. The German industry is represented by the brand new Audi 50. Ford decided not to take part because the new Escort is just around the corner, and we have saved the Opel Kadett for the 1300cc Auto Cup because it fits in better there.
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