1971 Ford Falcon vs. 1980 Matra-Simca Rancho
To start off, 1980 Matra-Simca Rancho is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Ford Falcon. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Ford Falcon would be higher. At 3,273 cc (6 cylinders), 1971 Ford Falcon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Ford Falcon (129 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1980 Matra-Simca Rancho. (79 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Ford Falcon should accelerate faster than 1980 Matra-Simca Rancho. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Ford Falcon weights approximately 228 kg more than 1980 Matra-Simca Rancho. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1971 Ford Falcon 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 1971 Ford Falcon. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 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, 1971 Ford Falcon (259 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 140 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Matra-Simca Rancho. (119 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1971 Ford Falcon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Matra-Simca Rancho.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Ford Falcon | 1980 Matra-Simca Rancho | |
| Make | Ford | Matra-Simca |
| Model | Falcon | Rancho |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3273 cc | 1442 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 259 Nm | 119 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1360 kg | 1132 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4690 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1740 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2530 mm |
