1981 Matra-Simca Rancho vs. 1978 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1981 Matra-Simca Rancho is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 4,941 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Mercury Cougar (133 HP @ 3400 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 1981 Matra-Simca Rancho. (79 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1981 Matra-Simca Rancho. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 723 kg more than 1981 Matra-Simca Rancho. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Mercury Cougar 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 Mercury Cougar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 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 Mercury Cougar (336 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 220 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Matra-Simca Rancho. (116 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1978 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Matra-Simca Rancho.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Matra-Simca Rancho | 1978 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Matra-Simca | Mercury |
| Model | Rancho | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1442 cc | 4941 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 116 Nm | 336 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1132 kg | 1855 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 5480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1740 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2910 mm |
