1985 BMW 324 vs. 1978 Matra-Simca Rancho
To start off, 1985 BMW 324 is newer by 7 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 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 1985 BMW 324 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 BMW 324 (85 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1978 Matra-Simca Rancho. (79 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 BMW 324 should accelerate faster than 1978 Matra-Simca Rancho. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 BMW 324 weights approximately 126 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 1985 BMW 324 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 1985 BMW 324. 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, 1985 BMW 324 (152 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Matra-Simca Rancho. (118 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1985 BMW 324 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Matra-Simca Rancho.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 BMW 324 | 1978 Matra-Simca Rancho | |
| Make | BMW | Matra-Simca |
| Model | 324 | Rancho |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 1442 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 152 Nm | 118 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 76.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 22.0:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 161 km/hour | 145 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1260 kg | 1134 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1740 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2530 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 60 L |
