Grant,
I think it all depends. I note the 1100D is an oldish camera and as such will have an inferior sensor when compared to newer models.
I moved from a Nikon D80 to a D7200 and was amazed at the improvement. Even though they were in similar niches in the market. As far as I can see, it is the noise performance which seems to drive the overall results.
What would be interesting would be to compare 2 of the latest models from the top and bottom of the market.
The key functions I use, in my wide field work, are live view, the intervalometer and a low noise sensor.
Regards
David