1979 Lancia Beta vs. 1980 Matra-Simca Rancho
To start off, 1980 Matra-Simca Rancho is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Lancia Beta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Lancia Beta would be higher. At 1,994 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Lancia Beta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Lancia Beta (118 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 1980 Matra-Simca Rancho. (79 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Lancia Beta should accelerate faster than 1980 Matra-Simca Rancho. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Matra-Simca Rancho weights approximately 92 kg more than 1979 Lancia Beta.
Because 1979 Lancia Beta 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 1979 Lancia Beta. 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, 1979 Lancia Beta (171 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 52 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Matra-Simca Rancho. (119 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1979 Lancia Beta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Matra-Simca Rancho.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Lancia Beta | 1980 Matra-Simca Rancho | |
| Make | Lancia | Matra-Simca |
| Model | Beta | Rancho |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1994 cc | 1442 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 171 Nm | 119 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 76.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 78 mm |
| Top Speed | 192 km/hour | 145 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1040 kg | 1132 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3820 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1740 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2530 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 60 L |
