In this paper, the results of simulations of natural circulation loop performance, obtained by Cathare and Relap codes, are reported. Both series of results are analyzed and compared with experimental data gathered in the MTT-1 loop, a rectangular natural circulation loop realized by DITEC at the University of Genova. Both Cathare and Relap codes, in absolute terms, show poor agreement with experimental data. At low power, the Cathare code shows a good capability to predict the steady state quantities, after the initial transient. On the other hand, no unstable behavior is predicted at each analyzed power level. The Relap code is able to show oscillating quantities, but not at the same power levels as in the experiments.