1949 Austin 16 vs. 1979 Matra-Simca Rancho
To start off, 1979 Matra-Simca Rancho is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1949 Austin 16. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1949 Austin 16 would be higher. At 2,200 cc (4 cylinders), 1949 Austin 16 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Matra-Simca Rancho (79 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 1949 Austin 16. (63 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Matra-Simca Rancho should accelerate faster than 1949 Austin 16. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1949 Austin 16 weights approximately 148 kg more than 1979 Matra-Simca Rancho.
Because 1949 Austin 16 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1949 Austin 16. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 Matra-Simca Rancho, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1949 Austin 16 (147 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Matra-Simca Rancho. (116 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1949 Austin 16 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Matra-Simca Rancho.
Compare all specifications:
| 1949 Austin 16 | 1979 Matra-Simca Rancho | |
| Make | Austin | Matra-Simca |
| Model | 16 | Rancho |
| Year Released | 1949 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2200 cc | 1441 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 63 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 147 Nm | 116 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79.4 mm | 76.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 111.1 mm | 78 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 121 km/hour | 145 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 1132 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1690 mm | 1740 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2530 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 60 L |
