Recently, neural network models have been employed as an alternative to regression analysis for point estimation or function fitting in various field. Thus far, however, no theoretical or empirical guides seem to exist for selecting the tool which the most suitable one for a specific function-fitting problem. In this paper, we evaluate performance of three major function-fitting techniques, regression analysis and two neural network models, back-propagation and linear-Hebbian-learning neural networks. The functions to be fitted are simple linear ones of a single independent variable. The factors considered are size of noise both in dependent and independent variables, portion of outliers, and size of the data. Based on comutational results performed in this study, some guidelines are suggested to choose the best technique that can be used for a specific problem concerned.