1978 Matra-Simca Rancho vs. 2005 Mercury Mountaineer
To start off, 2005 Mercury Mountaineer is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Matra-Simca Rancho. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Matra-Simca Rancho would be higher. At 3,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Mercury Mountaineer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercury Mountaineer (202 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 123 more horse power than 1978 Matra-Simca Rancho. (79 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercury Mountaineer should accelerate faster than 1978 Matra-Simca Rancho. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercury Mountaineer weights approximately 915 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 2005 Mercury Mountaineer is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Matra-Simca Rancho. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Mercury Mountaineer will offer significantly more control. 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, 2005 Mercury Mountaineer (339 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 221 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Matra-Simca Rancho. (118 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2005 Mercury Mountaineer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Matra-Simca Rancho. 2005 Mercury Mountaineer has automatic transmission and 1978 Matra-Simca Rancho has manual transmission. 1978 Matra-Simca Rancho will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Mercury Mountaineer will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Matra-Simca Rancho | 2005 Mercury Mountaineer | |
| Make | Matra-Simca | Mercury |
| Model | Rancho | Mountaineer |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1442 cc | 3996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 202 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 118 Nm | 339 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76.7 mm | 100 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1134 kg | 2049 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1740 mm | 1850 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2870 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 85 L |
