1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs. 1978 Matra-Simca Rancho
To start off, 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee is newer by 21 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 4,701 cc (8 cylinders), 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee (218 HP @ 4700 RPM) has 139 more horse power than 1978 Matra-Simca Rancho. (79 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee should accelerate faster than 1978 Matra-Simca Rancho. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee weights approximately 676 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 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee 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 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee. 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, 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee (390 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 272 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Matra-Simca Rancho. (118 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Matra-Simca Rancho. 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee has automatic transmission and 1978 Matra-Simca Rancho has manual transmission. 1978 Matra-Simca Rancho will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee | 1978 Matra-Simca Rancho | |
| Make | Jeep | Matra-Simca |
| Model | Grand Cherokee | Rancho |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4701 cc | 1442 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 218 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4700 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 390 Nm | 118 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1810 kg | 1134 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1770 mm | 1740 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2530 mm |
