1954 Ford Prefect vs. 1974 Matra-Simca Bagheera
To start off, 1974 Matra-Simca Bagheera is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1954 Ford Prefect. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 Ford Prefect would be higher. At 2,588 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Matra-Simca Bagheera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Matra-Simca Bagheera (165 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 134 more horse power than 1954 Ford Prefect. (31 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Matra-Simca Bagheera should accelerate faster than 1954 Ford Prefect. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Matra-Simca Bagheera weights approximately 437 kg more than 1954 Ford Prefect. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1974 Matra-Simca Bagheera (216 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 145 more torque (in Nm) than 1954 Ford Prefect. (71 Nm @ 2150 RPM). This means 1974 Matra-Simca Bagheera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1954 Ford Prefect.
Compare all specifications:
| 1954 Ford Prefect | 1974 Matra-Simca Bagheera | |
| Make | Ford | Matra-Simca |
| Model | Prefect | Bagheera |
| Year Released | 1954 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1170 cc | 2588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 31 HP | 165 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 71 Nm | 216 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2150 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 63.5 mm | 76.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.5 mm | 70 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 3 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 765 kg | 1202 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3850 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1550 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 2610 mm |
