1955 Austin-Healey 100 vs. 1974 Matra-Simca Bagheera
To start off, 1974 Matra-Simca Bagheera is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Austin-Healey 100. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Austin-Healey 100 would be higher. At 2,660 cc (4 cylinders), 1955 Austin-Healey 100 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1955 Austin-Healey 100 (89 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1974 Matra-Simca Bagheera. (83 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1955 Austin-Healey 100 should accelerate faster than 1974 Matra-Simca Bagheera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1955 Austin-Healey 100 weights approximately 45 kg more than 1974 Matra-Simca Bagheera. 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, 1955 Austin-Healey 100 (144 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Matra-Simca Bagheera. (108 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1955 Austin-Healey 100 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Matra-Simca Bagheera.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Austin-Healey 100 | 1974 Matra-Simca Bagheera | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Matra-Simca |
| Model | 100 | Bagheera |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2660 cc | 1294 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 83 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 3 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 945 kg | 900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 4020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2380 mm |
