1980 Matra-Simca Rancho vs. 1978 Ford Capri
To start off, 1980 Matra-Simca Rancho is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Ford Capri. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Ford Capri would be higher. At 2,993 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Ford Capri is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Ford Capri (137 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 1980 Matra-Simca Rancho. (79 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Ford Capri should accelerate faster than 1980 Matra-Simca Rancho. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Ford Capri weights approximately 13 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 1978 Ford Capri 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 1978 Ford Capri. 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, 1978 Ford Capri (236 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 117 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Matra-Simca Rancho. (119 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1978 Ford Capri will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Matra-Simca Rancho. 1978 Ford Capri 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. 1978 Ford Capri will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Matra-Simca Rancho | 1978 Ford Capri | |
| Make | Matra-Simca | Ford |
| Model | Rancho | Capri |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1442 cc | 2993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 137 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 119 Nm | 236 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1132 kg | 1145 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1740 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2570 mm |
