  This paper investigates the basic behavior and performance of simulated
quantum annealing (QA) in comparison with classical annealing (CA). Three
simple one dimensional case study systems are considered, namely a parabolic
well, a double well, and a curved washboard. The time dependent Schr\"odinger
evolution in either real or imaginary time describing QA is contrasted with the
Fokker Planck evolution of CA. The asymptotic decrease of excess energy with
annealing time is studied in each case, and the reasons for differences are
examined and discussed. The Huse-Fisher classical power law of double well CA
is replaced with a different power law in QA. The multi-well washboard problem
studied in CA by Shinomoto and Kabashima and leading classically to a
logarithmic annealing even in the absence of disorder, turns to a power law
behavior when annealed with QA. The crucial role of disorder and localization
is briefly discussed.
