1959 Abarth 1000 vs. 1978 Matra-Simca Rancho
To start off, 1978 Matra-Simca Rancho is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Abarth 1000. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Abarth 1000 would be higher. At 1,442 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Matra-Simca Rancho is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Abarth 1000 (88 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1978 Matra-Simca Rancho. (79 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1959 Abarth 1000 should accelerate faster than 1978 Matra-Simca Rancho. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Matra-Simca Rancho weights approximately 454 kg more than 1959 Abarth 1000.
Because 1959 Abarth 1000 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 1959 Abarth 1000. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 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, 1978 Matra-Simca Rancho (118 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth 1000. (97 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1978 Matra-Simca Rancho will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Abarth 1000.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Abarth 1000 | 1978 Matra-Simca Rancho | |
| Make | Abarth | Matra-Simca |
| Model | 1000 | Rancho |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 998 cc | 1442 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 88 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 97 Nm | 118 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 76.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 58 mm | 78 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 200 km/hour | 145 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 680 kg | 1134 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1740 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2170 mm | 2530 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 60 L |
