1976 Buick Riviera vs. 1980 Matra-Simca Rancho
To start off, 1980 Matra-Simca Rancho is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Buick Riviera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Buick Riviera would be higher. At 6,595 cc (6 cylinders), 1976 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Buick Riviera (182 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 103 more horse power than 1980 Matra-Simca Rancho. (79 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1976 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1980 Matra-Simca Rancho. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Buick Riviera weights approximately 633 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 1976 Buick Riviera 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 1976 Buick Riviera. 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, 1976 Buick Riviera (435 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 316 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Matra-Simca Rancho. (119 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1976 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Matra-Simca Rancho. 1976 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 1980 Matra-Simca Rancho has manual transmission. 1980 Matra-Simca Rancho will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1976 Buick Riviera will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Buick Riviera | 1980 Matra-Simca Rancho | |
| Make | Buick | Matra-Simca |
| Model | Riviera | Rancho |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6595 cc | 1442 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 182 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 435 Nm | 119 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1765 kg | 1132 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5550 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1740 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2530 mm |
