1961 Austin A 40 vs. 1979 Matra-Simca Bagheera
To start off, 1979 Matra-Simca Bagheera is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 1,440 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Matra-Simca Bagheera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Matra-Simca Bagheera (85 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1961 Austin A 40. (36 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Matra-Simca Bagheera should accelerate faster than 1961 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Matra-Simca Bagheera weights approximately 220 kg more than 1961 Austin A 40. 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, 1979 Matra-Simca Bagheera (108 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1979 Matra-Simca Bagheera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Austin A 40 | 1979 Matra-Simca Bagheera | |
| Make | Austin | Matra-Simca |
| Model | A 40 | Bagheera |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 1440 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 36 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 64.6 mm | 76.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 78 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 760 kg | 980 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 4020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 2380 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 60 L |
