The comparison between the two is apt since Tynan has mentioned Dwarf Fortress being a major influence on Rimworld. I'm not sure about the comparisons with Sims and SimCity, since those two games have vastly different scales (hundreds versus millions of people).

Rimworld does have drafting and there is the option to micromanage, but this isn't all that practical in a colony of 50. At that size, the two require similar management levels.

I feel the same about enjoying Rimworld while DF not so much, but for very different reasons. See, DF is a deep simulation first and foremost. It's all in on procedural. Rimworld, meanwhile, heavily incorporates simulation and procedural, but does not rely on it exclusively. Rimworld blends in tactical combat, lore, and partially scripted story events and quests.

Beyond that, I would say that Rimworld is more graphically polished and has more accessible controls.