1970 Ford Cortina vs. 1979 Matra-Simca Rancho
To start off, 1979 Matra-Simca Rancho is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 1,993 cc (4 cylinders), 1970 Ford Cortina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1970 Ford Cortina (97 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1979 Matra-Simca Rancho. (79 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1970 Ford Cortina should accelerate faster than 1979 Matra-Simca Rancho. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Matra-Simca Rancho weights approximately 130 kg more than 1970 Ford Cortina.
Because 1970 Ford Cortina 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 1970 Ford Cortina. 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, 1970 Ford Cortina (151 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Matra-Simca Rancho. (116 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1970 Ford Cortina will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Matra-Simca Rancho.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Ford Cortina | 1979 Matra-Simca Rancho | |
| Make | Ford | Matra-Simca |
| Model | Cortina | Rancho |
| Year Released | 1970 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1993 cc | 1441 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 97 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 151 Nm | 116 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90.8 mm | 76.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77 mm | 78 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 169 km/hour | 145 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1002 kg | 1132 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1740 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2530 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 87 L | 60 L |
