1950 Austin A 40 vs. 1976 Matra-Simca Bagheera
To start off, 1976 Matra-Simca Bagheera is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1950 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1950 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 1,442 cc (4 cylinders), 1976 Matra-Simca Bagheera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Matra-Simca Bagheera (85 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 1950 Austin A 40. (49 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1976 Matra-Simca Bagheera should accelerate faster than 1950 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1950 Austin A 40 weights approximately 10 kg more than 1976 Matra-Simca Bagheera.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front 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, 1976 Matra-Simca Bagheera (108 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1950 Austin A 40. (83 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1976 Matra-Simca Bagheera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1950 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1950 Austin A 40 | 1976 Matra-Simca Bagheera | |
| Make | Austin | Matra-Simca |
| Model | A 40 | Bagheera |
| Year Released | 1950 | 1976 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1198 cc | 1442 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 83 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 76.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 78 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 3 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 980 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2380 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 60 L |
