1984 Ford Mustang vs. 1979 Matra-Simca Rancho
To start off, 1984 Ford Mustang is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Matra-Simca Rancho. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Matra-Simca Rancho would be higher. At 2,292 cc (4 cylinders), 1984 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1984 Ford Mustang (88 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1979 Matra-Simca Rancho. (79 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1984 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1979 Matra-Simca Rancho. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 Ford Mustang weights approximately 53 kg more than 1979 Matra-Simca Rancho. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1984 Ford Mustang 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 1984 Ford Mustang. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 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, 1984 Ford Mustang (161 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Matra-Simca Rancho. (116 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1984 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Matra-Simca Rancho.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Ford Mustang | 1979 Matra-Simca Rancho | |
| Make | Ford | Matra-Simca |
| Model | Mustang | Rancho |
| Year Released | 1984 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2292 cc | 1441 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 88 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 161 Nm | 116 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96 mm | 76.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1185 kg | 1132 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1740 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2530 mm |
