Germany vs France — 1970 vs 1967
| Manta GT/E | 1200S Coupe | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 105 hp | 85 hp |
| Torque | 116 lb-ft | 72 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 1,897 cc | 1,204 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 10.5 sec | 13.0 sec |
| Top Speed | 115 mph | 106 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 17.5 sec | 18.5 sec |
| Weight | 2,160 lbs | 1,962 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,420 mm | 2,310 mm |
| Length | 4,242 mm | 4,080 mm |
| Units Produced | 498,553 | 11,562 |
| Value (Excellent) | $30,000 | $40,000 |
| Collectibility | 6/10 | 6/10 |
| Rarity | 6/10 | 7/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1970 Opel Manta GT/E brings more power, quicker acceleration, higher top speed to the table, and the 1967 Simca 1200S Coupe answers with lighter weight, greater rarity. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.
The rivalry between Germany and France automotive industries has produced legendary matchups, and the 1970 Opel Manta GT/E versus 1967 Simca 1200S Coupe is among the most fascinating. These two cars represent the best of their national engineering schools. The 1970 Opel Manta GT/E holds a clear advantage in raw power with 105 hp compared to 85 hp, a 20-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Opel Manta uses a Inline-4 CIH displacing 1,897 cc, while the Simca 1200S relies on a Inline-4 OHV with 1,204 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1970 Opel Manta GT/E edges ahead at 10.5 seconds versus 13.0 seconds. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 11,562 units built, the 1967 Simca 1200S Coupe is considerably scarcer than the Opel Manta's 498,553 examples. Both trade at comparable values on the collector market, making the choice between them largely one of personal preference.