2008 Honda Civic vs. 1978 Matra-Simca Rancho
To start off, 2008 Honda Civic is newer by 30 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 1,686 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Honda Civic (99 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1978 Matra-Simca Rancho. (79 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1978 Matra-Simca Rancho. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Honda Civic weights approximately 48 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.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2008 Honda Civic (220 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 102 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Matra-Simca Rancho. (118 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2008 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Matra-Simca Rancho.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Honda Civic | 1978 Matra-Simca Rancho | |
| Make | Honda | Matra-Simca |
| Model | Civic | Rancho |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1686 cc | 1442 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 99 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 118 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 76.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 182 km/hour | 145 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1182 kg | 1134 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1740 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2530 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 60 L |
