1978 Matra-Simca Rancho vs. 2012 Ford Falcon
To start off, 2012 Ford Falcon is newer by 34 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 3,983 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Ford Falcon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Ford Falcon (261 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 182 more horse power than 1978 Matra-Simca Rancho. (79 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Ford Falcon should accelerate faster than 1978 Matra-Simca Rancho. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Ford Falcon weights approximately 570 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 2012 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 2012 Ford Falcon. 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, 2012 Ford Falcon (391 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 273 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Matra-Simca Rancho. (118 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Ford Falcon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Matra-Simca Rancho. 2012 Ford Falcon 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. 2012 Ford Falcon will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Matra-Simca Rancho | 2012 Ford Falcon | |
| Make | Matra-Simca | Ford |
| Model | Rancho | Falcon |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1442 cc | 3983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 261 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 118 Nm | 391 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76.7 mm | 92.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 99.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1134 kg | 1704 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4967 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1868 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1740 mm | 1433 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2838 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 68 L |
