1964 Austin Princess vs. 1978 Matra-Simca Rancho
To start off, 1978 Matra-Simca Rancho is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1964 Austin Princess. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1964 Austin Princess would be higher. At 3,993 cc (6 cylinders), 1964 Austin Princess is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1964 Austin Princess (119 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1978 Matra-Simca Rancho. (79 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1964 Austin Princess should accelerate faster than 1978 Matra-Simca Rancho. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1964 Austin Princess weights approximately 1046 kg more than 1978 Matra-Simca Rancho. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1964 Austin Princess 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 1964 Austin Princess. 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, 1964 Austin Princess (251 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 133 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Matra-Simca Rancho. (118 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1964 Austin Princess will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Matra-Simca Rancho.
Compare all specifications:
| 1964 Austin Princess | 1978 Matra-Simca Rancho | |
| Make | Austin | Matra-Simca |
| Model | Princess | Rancho |
| Year Released | 1964 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3993 cc | 1442 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 119 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 118 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2180 kg | 1134 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5470 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1740 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3360 mm | 2530 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 60 L |
