2009 Ford Taurus vs. 1978 Matra-Simca Rancho
To start off, 2009 Ford Taurus is newer by 31 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 3,496 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Taurus (263 HP @ 6251 RPM) has 184 more horse power than 1978 Matra-Simca Rancho. (79 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 1978 Matra-Simca Rancho. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Matra-Simca Rancho weights approximately 27 kg more than 2009 Ford Taurus.
Because 2009 Ford Taurus is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Matra-Simca Rancho. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Ford Taurus will offer significantly more control. 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, 2009 Ford Taurus (338 Nm @ 4501 RPM) has 220 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Matra-Simca Rancho. (118 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Matra-Simca Rancho. 2009 Ford Taurus 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. 2009 Ford Taurus will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Taurus | 1978 Matra-Simca Rancho | |
| Make | Ford | Matra-Simca |
| Model | Taurus | Rancho |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3496 cc | 1442 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 263 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6251 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 338 Nm | 118 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4501 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1107 kg | 1134 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5130 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1740 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2530 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 60 L |
